COS Tribute Fashion Shoot

Image by Oli Stockwell

I love collaborating. From my experience, when people are spending time doing what they love, in that moment, they are passionate, enthusiastic and full of positivity.
In my line of work, I’m usually collaborating with creatives. I find it inspiring and energising to be around other creative people, because when we are together, we share ideas and they grow organically into more creative thought processes, leading to more collaboration and more chances to create.

This blog is about a recent collaboration with a group of talented students from Norwich University of Arts, NUA. The shoot was for a tribute fashion project, produced and directed by Marta Zaremba, a 2nd year Fashion Communication student at the University. Marta contacted me with the mood boards she had created for the shoot and asked if I would do the hair and make up for it. I loved the mood boards and after researching the COS style, i was really keen to be a part of it.
In case you haven't heard of it, COS, (Collection of style) is a brand from the Swedish company H&M. Think designer wear at a more affordable price, clean lines, solid colours, timeless and understated fashion. 

"COS offers reinvented classics and wardrobe essentials for women, men and children. Made to be worn beyond the season, the collections merge lasting quality with timeless design; clean silhouettes, innovative techniques and functional details inspired by art, technology and architecture. Committed to supporting the world of art and design through collaboration, COS partners with established and emerging artists, studios and galleries all over the world, creating unique brand projects alongside the seasonal fashion collections."

Quote from: about.hm.com

Marta sent a clear and detailed schedule for the day so I knew exact what I was doing and when. This level of organisation by Marta was extremely professional and I couldn’t have asked for more from a creative director.

There were two models for the shoot, Liza and Amy and each of them had two looks. It’s great when a client knows exactly what they want as it gives me something to focus on and it’s always rewarding to bring someone’s vision to life. Marta gave me a clear brief for the make up.
Look one: fresh faced, radiant skin, natural highlight, textured brows, soft matt eyeshadow and nude lips.
Look two: skin glowing, defined features, contoured cheekbones, natural but visible highlight, thick brows, add warmth to the eye and a deeper shade of lipstick. The picture above is look two on both models and below is look one on each model.

Above: Oli photographing Amy and Liza in the East Gallery

Photographing the shoot was Oli Stockwell, a 3rd year photography student. Oli was assisted on the day by Jordan Hudson, another 3rd year student. As soon as I saw Oli’s work on Instagram, I was excited to be working with him. His portraits are incredible. The light, colours and composition in his work give each image a narrative and I love that.

Images by Oli Stockwell

Isaac Hargreaves, a 3rd year photography and film student was there to film for Marta's campaign. I had not worked with a videographer in such close proximity before and it was really fascinating to watch Isaac work. I didn't speak to him much on the day, because he was fully engrossed with filming and i didn't want to disturb him. It was really fascinating to watch him work and direct the models. He could obviously ‘see’ the finished film or part of the film he wanted to create with each take and was so intrigued to see the end result of his creative process, under Marta's direction. You can see the finished campaign film below and more of Isaac's work here.

One of my favourite things about collaborating is where it can take you afterwards. Since we did the shoot, Marta has modeled for me for some make up training I and have managed to talk Isaac into filming for the living art show, a body painting event at the Maui Waui festival in Suffolk, later this year.

After meeting Jordan at the shoot and researching his work in more depth, I came across this collection of work. It’s a piece that you can’t help but be intrigued by. The pictures speak to you, the words touch you and you are left contemplating your own philosophy on life.

Working with this talented group of creatives was a great experience. I am delighted to have been a part of it and flattered to have been asked by Marta to join her and the others for the shoot.
I want to take this opportunity to wish Marta the best of luck for this assignment. She picked a talented team of people to work with and gave them everything they needed to complete their part of the collaboration effectively.

If you'd like to read more about the COS brand then click on the links below:
https://www.theguardian.com
https://www.businessoffashion.com
http://www.independent.co.uk
http://www.telegraph.co.uk