In this reimagined tale, Little Red, clad in a striking red dress, meets the feared wolf, Nymeria, deep in the enchanted forest. But instead of fear, trust blossoms between them. Together, they forge an unlikely bond, walking side by side through the woods, rewriting the ancient story of predator and prey.
Once upon a time, in a forest deep and wild, there lived a young maiden known as Little Red. Her cloak, a striking red, trailed behind her as she wandered through the towering trees, not with fear but with confidence. The villagers told stories of a terrible wolf that roamed these woods, but Red, with her daring spirit, ventured on without hesitation.
One evening, as dusk began to drape the forest in shadow, Little Red found herself face to face with the legendary beast. Her name was Nymeria, and while her presence was formidable, her eyes did not gleam with malice but with curiosity. Red stood still, her bold red dress and corseted bodice exuding strength. The forest seemed to pause, waiting to see what would unfold.
Nymeria stepped closer, her breath steady and calm, much like the ancient trees that surrounded them. Red, unfazed, looked into the wolf’s eyes and spoke softly. “I know your kind, but I do not fear you. We are not enemies, you and I.”
Around her neck, Red wore a delicate necklace, a simple piece with a black onyx stone, glimmering faintly in the twilight. The wolf’s gaze flickered to the jewel, and a quiet understanding passed between them. It was not magic that bound them, but mutual respect.
The once-feared wolf lowered her head, and Red extended her hand, touching Nymeria’s fur lightly. In that moment, the forest no longer seemed foreboding but enchanted, a place where even the wildest of creatures could become friends. Nymeria did not howl or growl; instead, she walked beside Red, the two wandering deeper into the woods, bound by trust.
As they walked, Red’s dress flowed effortlessly with each step, the vibrant fabric a sharp contrast to the dark greens and browns of the forest. The custom design, with its structured corset and layered skirt, gave her a fierce presence, no longer the helpless girl of old tales, but a woman who embraced her power.
And so, Little Red and Nymeria continued their journey together, a tale of trust forged in the heart of the enchanted woods, where strength met wildness, and fear was left far behind.
Meet The Team
Photographer Paul Tocatlian’s Vision:
“I’ve always been drawn to stories that leave room for reinterpretation,” said Paul Tocatlian, fashion and editorial photographer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. “I wanted to shift the narrative from predator and prey to one of connection in this photoshoot collaboration. There’s something captivating about pairing a strong character like Little Red with a wolf, especially in such a natural, wild setting. It felt like an evolution of the old tale.”
Photographing Nymeria:
“Working with Nymeria was an experience. She carried a natural energy that perfectly fit the story. I wanted to capture her essence. Both her wildness and her calm, which echoed the connection she had with Mary Jayne during the shoot. You can see in the images that their bond adds real depth to the story we’re telling.”
Model Mary Jayne on Embodying Little Red:
“I loved the idea of Little Red as someone who’s unafraid, connected with nature, and embraces her strength,” Mary Jayne shared. “The chemistry between Nymeria and me felt natural, and it helped bring out the confidence and fearlessness of the character. The dress, with its bold colors and strong silhouette, made it easy to feel empowered during the shoot.”
Scott Braxton’s Design Inspiration:
“The goal was to blend the fairytale with an edge,” said Scott Braxton. “I wanted the dress to nod to the classic Red Riding Hood look while also giving it a modern, powerful twist. The corset brought structure and strength, while the vibrant red kept it rooted in fantasy. Seeing it come to life in the forest was incredible, and Mary Jayne’s portrayal was exactly what I envisioned.”
Butones Jewelry’s Take on Collaboration:
“Our pieces for this shoot were meant to feel timeless yet modern, much like the re-imagined fairytale,” said Butones Jewelry. “Working with Paul, Scott, and Mary Jayne allowed us to create designs that aligned with the strong, rich narrative. The necklace was subtle but significant, adding a layer of connection to the story.”
© Paul Tocatlian. All Rights Reserved.
Photoshoot Credits
Photographer
Paul Tocatlian
@tocatlian
Model
Mary Jayne
@beingmary.jayne
Wolf
Nymeria
@nymeria_the_wolfhusky
Fashion Designer
Scott Braxton
@dressed_by_s
Jewelry Designer
Butones Jewelry
@butonesjewelry
Kisau Photography 