In a cultural and artistic landscape so intent on propelling trends and micro-movements at an increasingly faster velocity, it can be hard to reflect and recognise the beauty, timelessness, and passion that lie within the creative cornerstone of global cities such as Melbourne.
Photographer Kyah Kluwer endeavoured to express this concept by curating and capturing a series of aesthetically rich images that transcend traditional fashion narratives as well as exude surreal and intensely dreamlike qualities inspired by the iconic works of Salvador Dali.
The core ethos behind this work lies within its dedicated and impassioned team of contributors that offer a tapestry of unique aesthetics and creative disciplines that perfectly complement the broader vision of the shoot. The sheer emphasis on promoting local creatives, designers, and brands is woven deeply into the texture of all the images. Every element from the garments, props and set design had been meticulously sourced from established and aspiring artisans in the city of Melbourne.
The inclusion of local contributors wasn't just to highlight the amazing and prolific works of independent creators, but also to bring light to the idea of ‘slow fashion’ once again. This concept was further echoed throughout the production of the shoot, with deliberate choices made to slow down the process. Using film as the primary method of capturing these images is a key example of this, as it meant each image was taken with an intricate and deliberate process involving each collaborator on set providing unique insight and input. Those on set commented on the intrinsically calming and relaxing atmosphere that this process created, allowing each person to leave their own touch on the final product.
We had the pleasure of collaborating with Zoey May, a Melbourne local slow fashion designer who graces us with beautiful knitwear as seen upon the models, as well as Dominique Healy, another conscious garment designer featured throughout the various looks. Matea Gluščević was responsible for the gorgeous hand-crafted footwear, and Kevin Twan of Soya Florist completed the shoot's look with the beautiful native flower installation. Lastly, the talented Krool Jewels and Madam Mak Jewellery provided amazing and statement-making jewellery.
Credits:
Photographer: Kyah Kluwer @moonlit.minx
Photography and lighting assistants: Josh Stefanovic @j0shtography, Jasper Hope @art_by_captaincheese
Lead Stylist: Daisy Fae Fielding @daisyfaefielding
Stylist Assistants: Laura Jones @1auraslounge, Brianna Spaull @bri.spaull, Jerome Fisher @jrm.fishy
Writer: Jerome Fisher @jrm.fishy
Mua: Nina @nina.pej
Hair Stylists: @punk_mamawest, @slime_mamawest
Models: Lola @lolabonnie, Petra Moon Crosby @petra__crosby, Rhian @radgalrhirhi, Vivian Pham @vy__oi
Floral Artist: Kevin Twan @soya_florist
Designers/Brands: Zoë May @__zoe.may__, Dominique Healy @dominique_healy, Matea Gluscevic @matea_gluscevic, Krool Jewels @krool_jewels, Madam Mak Jewellery @madame.mak_jewellery