Every so often, an opportunity comes along that feels almost surreal—something so special it makes you pause and think, How did I get here? Last month, I had one of those moments when I was asked to shoot the lookbook for ML Monique Lhuillier’s Spring 2021 collection.
For those who may not be familiar, Monique Lhuillier has long been celebrated for her ability to capture the essence of luxury. Her designs balance femininity, allure, and glamour while still allowing for a playful edge—a combination that has made her a go-to designer for women who truly understand the art of fashion. It’s no wonder her fan list reads like a red-carpet roll call: Emma Stone, Blake Lively, Taylor Swift, Gwyneth Paltrow, Reese Witherspoon… and the list goes on.
So, when the chance arose to interpret her vision through my own creative lens, I knew it was something I had to approach with both humility and gratitude. After all, this wasn’t just another photoshoot. It was an opportunity to bring a collection to life, during a time when simply gathering people together safely was no small feat.
Stepping Into the Role
Let me start by saying this: I don’t consider myself a model. Not even close. But I do have a background in ballet, which has given me an understanding of posture, movement, and how light works with the body. That foundation has always helped me step into roles in front of the camera with confidence, even if “influencer” isn’t a label I love to embrace.
What I do know is this: my work—whether through writing, styling, or creative direction—has always stemmed from one place, a unique vision. And when Monique Lhuillier’s team handed me full creative control of this lookbook shoot, it felt like validation of that perspective. It wasn’t just about modeling clothes; it was about storytelling.
The Dream Team
Of course, no project like this happens in isolation. To make this vision come alive, I leaned on two of the most important women in my creative world.
First, my long-time friend and collaborator, Chelsae Anne, who took on the role of photographer and art director. She has an eye like no one else I know, and I trust her implicitly to capture not just the clothes but the emotion behind them. Then there’s Tida, my right hand in every sense of the word. On this shoot alone, she wore more hats than I can count: assistant stylist, assistant photographer, coordinator, and overall problem-solver.
The three of us make up a tiny but mighty team. And outside of immediate family, they’re essentially the only people I’ve seen this year for work. That’s why I want to emphasize: we were extremely cautious during this shoot. Health and safety were non-negotiable, and every step was taken with care.
Creating in the Tropics
What made this project especially exciting was the freedom we were given. The brand entrusted us to interpret their spring collection against the lush backdrop of the tropics. Think sun-drenched landscapes, vibrant greenery, and an atmosphere that perfectly echoed the lightness and whimsy of the designs.
Over two grueling yet exhilarating days, we shot 15 looks in total. Each day stretched to 12 hours, filled with wardrobe changes, scouting light, adjusting details, and, of course, endless laughter between takes. By the end, we weren’t just exhausted—we were creatively fulfilled in a way that’s hard to put into words.
And while the photos will always be the centerpiece of the project, what I’ll treasure most are the moments in between: the quiet pauses when the light hit just right, the teamwork that made the impossible feel seamless, and the collective sense of pride we felt as the vision came together.
More Than Just a Shoot
Looking back, what stands out isn’t just the glamour of shooting a lookbook for such an iconic designer. It’s the reminder that even in a year marked by uncertainty, creativity has the power to push through. With the right people, the right energy, and a shared vision, beauty can still be created—even in the midst of a pandemic.
Opportunities like this don’t come around often. And while I may still be figuring out exactly how to define my role in the fashion and creative world, this experience reaffirmed something important: it’s less about labels and more about perspective. At the heart of everything I do is storytelling, and this shoot was just one more chapter in that narrative.
Final Thoughts
The ML Monique Lhuillier Spring 2021 lookbook will always hold a special place in my memory—not just for the stunning clothes, but for the journey behind the camera. It reminded me of the joy of collaboration, the power of vision, and the beauty of creating something meaningful, even when the world feels uncertain.
Fifteen looks, two days, three women, and countless memories later—I can say with certainty: this was one for the books.
