Posts tagged ‘kidswear’
LITTLE FASHION-EASTER
Here’s to a cracking Easter…..
For the little chicks……
Easter Eggstravaganza……
For the Home Bunnies……..
Easter Bonnets and Accessories…….
KIDSWEAR – PRINTS CHARMING
I was thrilled to work with the American brand Little Name. This little girls collection is so innovative and imaginative. Founder and designer Alexis G McVicker had previously worked as a print designer for such companies as Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters and OshKosh B’gosh so clearly very talented.
This ‘Rain and Shine’ range is ingenious. Behind the whimsical beauty it boasts all sorts of amazing qualities, such as the sun protecting collars, spill proof “get dirty in” fabrics and practical pouch pockets. But as a stylist, I loved the “grow into” factor – size adjustable, loose silhouettes that allowed me to put the same clothes in children from 3 to 9 year olds. Obviously with Alexis’s background the prints are totally gorgeous with their playful vintage feel. All in all, it is a winning collection.
So why shoot it in the UK? Alexis told me, “I truly enjoy vintage nostalgia and an old authenticity that is found in remote areas of the world … making the English countryside a lovely atmosphere for the collection.”
So what does the future hold for Little Name? Well, Alexis has recently become a new mother and she says this is spurring her on to create more gorgeous kidswear collections. “Our beautiful daughter is called Fable… Maybe a fable-themed inspiration could be in the making.”
That sounds fabulous – I can’t wait.
Photographer – Richard Burns. Fashion Stylist – Becky John. Hair & Make-up – Sally Kvalheim. Location – Wingsfield College, Suffolk.
KIDSWEAR – ROYAL BLOOD
On a crisp Winter’s day we travelled down to Hever Castle in Kent. We wanted to create a majestic look as might befit such a glorious castle as well as highlighting the theme of the land and nature. So I styled the kids very opulently in rich velvets and silks and added leaf crowns and foliage to mix the two looks. Here are the results..
Photographer – Dan Pangbourne Fashion Stylist – Becky John Hair & Make-up – Claire Portman
KIDSWEAR – MAGIC & SPARKLE
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
May 2015 be as magical and sparkly as the kids on this shoot……….
Photography – Phil Babb Stylist – Becky John Hair & Make-up – Amanda Bell at Artistic Licence.
CHRISTMAS JUMPERS
There’s nothing I like more than a bit of festive fun. Here’s a pick of this Yuletide’s most jolly jumpers for everyone………
KIDSWEAR – AUTUMN SHOOT
I’ve always loved a redhead. It’s the nearest hair colour to gold or fire. But after my daughter was born with her Titian crowning glory it has almost become an obsession.
Photographer Katy McDonnell and I had talked ages ago about doing a redhead shoot and it wasn’t until this autumn that all the conditions seemed right. It has been a late glorious autumn with the trees not wanting to relinquish their leaves. The colour palette has been spectacular – gold, russet, burnt orange and saffron. So with this in mind I scurried around the fashion PR’s and collected a fabulous selection of rich Autumnal toned clothes for our shoot.
We decided The Downs in Bristol would be the perfect location with it’s leafy, rambling woods. The models were chosen from the aptly named Gingersnap Agency in the West Country and here are the results…
Behind the scenes…….
STYLING KIDS ON FASHION SHOOTS
They say never work with children and animals, I didn’t listen. I have always loved doing photo shoots with kids. It can be challenging but mostly great fun and so rewarding. My favourite game as a child was dressing up and I suppose I’ve never wanted this fun to stop.
So what happens on these shoots? Well in the stylist’s case so much happens before you even get to the shoot. First of all, the client briefs me by phone or email. Then I’m out in all weathers sourcing the clothes, accessories and props. Most days I’m staggering up and down Oxford Street laden with clothes like a glorified bag lady. Kids clothes vary so much in sizes so I tend to get 3 different sizes per child – so all those bags weigh a ton. Well at least I get a free daily workout!
Just before the shoot a meeting with the client and photographer happens. I always think it’s the stylist’s version of the primary school “Show and Tell.” I take everything into the offices for approval and we thoroughly go through the clothes and props. Everyone then knows what we are doing and a shot list can be compiled.
Then comes the shoot day! The crew – photographer, assistant, make-up artist and stylist arrive at least an hour before the kids. Preparation is everything. I hang up all the clothes on rails and lay out all the accessories and props. As any parent know kids get bored very easily. So as soon as the little ones breeze into the studio, they are whisked into make-up, quickly dressed and on the set before they can say er, ‘cheese’. I love styling kids because of their playful nature you can get away with dressing them up as theatrically as you wish! I usually choose one hero piece like a mad hat, vintage spectacles or eccentric prop and style the look around it.
To get the best shots it’s vital to have a good natured, patient team that can really engage with the kids. The photographer takes the lead, either directing the children or setting up little games for them and then capturing that magical moment when the kids are engrossed in play. The stylist is also expected to be the entertainer. I have a Mary Poppins style bag packed with balloons, party blowers and bubbles. I’m a wow with my feather tickling stick – Ken Dodd would be proud. Over the years I have learnt every dance move by The Spice Girls, The Macarena, every flipping verse of ‘The Wheels Of The Bus’ and my knowledge of One Direction is legendary!
But what about the tantrums you ask? What tantrums? We leave those to the supermodels.
photography Richard Burns, Hair & Make-up Sally Kvalheim, Styling Becky John, Location www.wingfieldcollege.com