What happens when a classic fairytale meets high fashion in the heart of an ancient forest? The result is Little Red: Enigmatic Glamour, my latest editorial feature in the September 2024 issue of MALVIE Magazine. Shot in the majestic redwood forest, this collaboration with model Mary Jayne, fashion designer Scott Braxton, and Butones Jewelry brings to life a captivating narrative filled with elegance, strength, and a hint of mystery.
The mood of the shoot is both cinematic and timeless. Surrounded by the towering redwoods, Mary Jayne embodies a modern-day Little Red and the Guardian of the Forest, blending vulnerability with fierce confidence. Her expressions shift from reflective to empowered, creating a dynamic character who is more than just a fairytale figure. She’s a force of nature. A wolf by her side adds to the story’s depth, symbolizing both wild beauty and protection, complementing the mood of mystery and strength.
Scott Braxton’s designs are central to the aesthetic of the shoot. His corseted, black and red gown merges historical elements with a contemporary twist. The bold use of leather, laces, and layers gives the outfit a structured yet flowing silhouette that perfectly contrasts with the softness of the forest surroundings. Each detail of the dress, from the intricate stitching to the voluminous skirt, is crafted to enhance the narrative.
Adding an extra layer of refinement, Butones Jewelry’s pieces, delicate necklaces and statement rings, soften the harder edges of the look. The intricate craftsmanship of the jewelry complements the fierce fashion, balancing power with grace.
Photographically, I wanted to capture both the wild beauty of the forest and the striking elegance of the fashion. The natural light filtered through the trees, casting soft shadows and giving the images an ethereal quality. The boldness of the red dress against the muted tones of the forest created an arresting contrast, with Mary Jayne standing out like a flame in the wilderness.
As the 153rd time my work has been featured in a magazine, this MALVIE feature holds a special place in my journey. It’s a reflection of the collaborative spirit that fuels every photoshoot, bringing together fashion, artistry, and storytelling.
For models, designers, and brands looking to create compelling visual stories, I invite you to connect for future photoshoot collaborations and runway coverage. For more information, please contact us.
THE INTERVIEW
Paul, what inspired you to create this unique twist on the classic Little Red Riding Hood story?
Paul: I’ve always been drawn to stories that allow room for re-interpretation. I wanted to explore the idea of the two characters forging a bond rather than following the traditional predator-prey dynamic. Plus, there’s something captivating about the imagery of a bold character like Little Red paired with a wolf. Especially in the natural, forested setting we chose for the shoot.
How did you approach photographing Nymeria, the husky, in this setting?
Paul: Nymeria was incredible to work with. Animals can be unpredictable, but she had this natural energy that really fit the theme. I tried to capture her essence, her wildness, but also her calm and connection with Mary Jayne. You can see in the photos that there’s a real bond between them, which adds depth to the narrative we’re telling.
Mary, how did you embody the role of Little Red Riding Hood in this modern twist?
Mary: I loved the idea that Little Red is not just a damsel in distress in this version. She’s confident, connected with nature, and, most importantly, unafraid of the wolf. I tried to channel that inner strength during the shoot. Working with Nymeria made it easy to slip into that role because we had such great chemistry on set.
What was it like working in such an atmospheric setting?
Mary: The forest was magical. It felt like we were stepping into a fairytale. Being surrounded by trees and nature really helped me connect with the story we were telling. Plus, Paul captured the mood perfectly. The red dress against the greenery created such striking visuals that it was easy to feel like I was truly in another world.
Scott, can you tell us about the inspiration behind the custom dress you designed for the shoot?
Scott: The idea was to merge fantasy with a bit of edge. I wanted the dress to evoke the classic Little Red Riding Hood look, but with a modern, fierce twist. The corset adds a powerful, structured element, while the vibrant red keeps the fairytale connection. It’s about balancing strength with beauty, which I think matches the narrative of the shoot perfectly.
What was it like seeing your design come to life in the context of this photoshoot?
Scott: Seeing the dress in action was incredibly rewarding. The way it moved through the forest and how Mary Jayne embodied Little Red was exactly what I had envisioned. It was great to collaborate with Paul and the rest of the team, knowing that everyone was adding their unique touch to bring the whole vision together.
Butones Jewelry, how does working in a collaborative photoshoot like this inspire your designs?
Butones Jewelry: Collaboration allows us to think outside the box. For this shoot, we wanted the pieces to feel timeless yet modern, much like the re-imagined fairytale itself. Working with Paul, Scott, and Mary Jayne gave us a chance to explore new creative avenues and align our designs with the rich narrative they had envisioned.
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