NAT
ELEGANCE
URA
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
Creative Direction: Felice Caroline Halim
Photographer: Matthew Darmawan
Lighting Assistant 1: Regina Ferani
Lighting Assistant 2: Shawn Peh
Model 1: Eileen Sastrodikoro
Model 2: Celine Halim
Fashion Designer: Felice Caroline Halim
Makeup Artist: Kezia Damenta
The collection is about the transformative journey of butterflies and the evolution of humanity, exploring the parallels between metamorphosis in nature and the growth and self-discovery inherent in human existence. By juxtaposing the stages of butterfly metamorphosis with key milestones in human evolution, I aim to reflect on what it means to be human — our capacity for adaptation, resilience, and transformation. Through this exploration, I seek to evoke a sense of wonder and introspection, inviting viewers to contemplate the beauty and complexity of the human experience as it intertwines with the natural world.
About
Concept Ideation
#1
The mood is to create a dreamy, ethereal aesthetic by blending natural elements with human forms. Featuring gradient color backdrops and delicate flower props, emphasizing a harmonious fusion of nature and humanity. Dramatic lighting highlights the silhouettes and structures of the garments, focusing on the interplay of light and shadow to enhance the organic flow and surreal atmosphere. The overall direction evokes a sense of unity and otherworldliness, with a strong emphasis on the shapes and forms of the models and clothing.
The second ideation I call it "Light & Effect," which focus on creating an otherworldly, aurora-like atmosphere using bright colored lights and Mylar paper. This setup emphasizes reflective surfaces to produce mesmerizing light patterns and ethereal effects. The imagery evokes a sense of being transported to a different realm, with dynamic lighting and reflections enhancing the visual impact. This concept combines high-intensity light sources with reflective materials to craft a surreal and captivating aesthetic, perfect for conveying futuristic and out-of-this-world vibes.
#2
The third ideation is quite simple & straightforward, using vibrant projections to shine models and the background, creating a seamless blend of the human form with art and nature. This approach emphasizes a whimsical and fantastical feel, with an almost painterly quality.
#3
#4
The fourth ideation shifts towards a more grounded yet equally surreal atmosphere, incorporating lush, natural settings with bold, high-contrast lighting and dramatic poses. Enhances rich textures and colors of both the garments and the environment, creating otherworldly vibe that seamlessly integrates human and nature.
The third ideation was not realized due to the unavailability of a projector. The fourth ideation was also infeasible because of time and manpower constraints, as well as exceeding the budget limit.
Makeup
Hair
The hair and makeup concept draws inspiration from nature, aiming to create a harmonious and cohesive look that complements each garment. Makeup colors will be carefully matched to each outfit, creating a monochromatic effect that blends seamlessly with the natural environment. The eye makeup will feature organic shapes, emphasizing a camouflage effect to symbolize unity with nature. Cheeks and lips will be kept in muted tones, with highlights focused on the upper part of the face to avoid excessive flashiness. For the hair, an ethereal, otherworldly feel will be achieved by styling it to follow natural curves, softly framing the face and enhancing the overall mystical aesthetic.
Poses
Results
Reflection
The primary focus of the shoot was initially on the first ideation involving color light, but we encountered challenges as it rendered the garments too dark, obscuring their colors and prints. Although the final version was brighter and showcased the garments well, it appeared too striking and flashy. This experience taught me that the envisioned outcome can differ significantly from the final result, and quick decision-making is crucial during the shoot.
We struggled to complete three looks, each with distinct makeup and set color changes, within a tight three-hour window. As it was my first time organizing a shoot independently, I learned the importance of not rushing on-site preparations and the time-intensive nature of lighting setups. Despite having multiple concept ideations prepared, time constraints limited our ability to experiment.
The Mylar ideation turned out better than expected, especially in black and white, but it failed to capture the essence of the garment colors. Working with studio photography for the first time highlighted the critical importance of lighting setups. Small changes in lighting can drastically alter the outcome.
Overall, this experience was invaluable. I enjoyed the process of organizing the shoot, from planning and creating moodboards to securing a studio within four days. Collaborating with a team to bring my vision to life was fulfilling. Recognizing my need for more on-site experience, I am eager to participate in more shoots to further develop my skills.