How do you showcase the essence of Bach Mai’s timeless designs in Bali? Pair his bold artistry with the elegance of Pinky Mutiara, frame it within the stunning Casa Nomada, and let the story unfold. This Bali photoshoot captured the intersection of strength and simplicity, a tribute to the brilliance of Bach Mai’s creations.
The Journey to Bali: From NYFW to Casa Nomada
My first encounter with Bach Mai’s designs began at New York Fashion Week (NYFW), where I photographed his Fall / Winter 2024 and Spring / Summer 2025 collections. His work stood out for its bold elegance, blending modern refinement with timeless craftsmanship. Shooting his designs amidst the energy of NYFW was unforgettable, sparking a desire to explore his artistry in a quieter, narrative-focused setting. Casa Nomada in Bali provided the perfect backdrop to highlight one of his earlier designs in a way that celebrated its intricate details.
Casa Nomada: A Minimalist Canvas for Bold Design
Casa Nomada, with its Mediterranean-inspired architecture, became an essential part of the narrative. The villa’s whitewashed walls, arched doorways, and textured stone details offered a serene yet sophisticated backdrop, perfectly complementing the theme of simplicity and strength. The architecture and natural light created a harmonious balance of bold contrasts, with light and shadow, structure and fluidity.
Pinky Mutiara: The Perfect Muse
Pinky Mutiara brought the story to life with her commanding presence and effortless grace. Her deliberate movements and confident expressions embodied the strength and elegance that define Bach Mai’s work. Whether standing tall in an arched doorway or seated gracefully by the villa’s turquoise pool, Pinky elevated every shot with a natural magnetism.
The Dress: A Testament to Bach Mai’s Vision
The centerpiece of the shoot was a stunning black dress from one of Bach Mai’s earlier collections. Known for blending structure and softness, the design featured sheer panels with velvety details, exuding texture and character. The clean silhouette and timeless aesthetic allowed the dress to shine against Casa Nomada’s minimalist beauty.
A Visual Story Unfolds
The villa’s arched doorways framed Pinky in striking ways. One standout shot captured her silhouette poised in a doorway, the black dress in sharp contrast to the villa’s bright walls. Another intimate image showed her leaning into the soft curve of an arch, her movement echoing the dress’s fluid lines.
Natural light streaming through sheer curtains added a soft glow to the bold textures of the dress. The interplay of light and shadow created timeless compositions, allowing Bach Mai’s artistry to take center stage.
By the pool, the narrative shifted to a tranquil moment of introspection. Pinky’s reflection shimmered in the water as she sat at the edge, the dress flowing naturally around her. The juxtaposition of the pool’s clean lines and the fabric’s organic movement added depth and serenity to the story.
Inside Casa Nomada, rustic stone interiors and large mirrors added dimension. A standout image featured Pinky before a mirror, her reflection amplifying the scene’s depth. The velvety details of the dress caught the soft, diffused light, emphasizing its craftsmanship.
Butones Jewelry: Subtle Refinement
What defines timeless elegance? A layered silver necklace from Butones Jewelry brought a refined touch, exemplifying the brand’s artisanal craftsmanship and thoughtful design. Known for blending sophistication with versatility, Butones Jewelry creates pieces rich with intricate details and symbolic elements, making each one a meaningful addition to any ensemble. Designed to complement and inspire, their creations tell a story that reflects the wearer’s unique style and individuality.
In this shoot, the necklace’s medallion centerpiece perfectly complemented the dress, reflecting light in subtle yet captivating ways. This delicate interplay between the jewelry and the garment enhanced the overall aesthetic, illustrating how carefully chosen accessories can elevate a narrative without overwhelming it. Butones Jewelry’s commitment to subtle sophistication made it an ideal choice for this project, seamlessly aligning with the theme of Strength in Simplicity.
A Celebration of Simplicity and Strength
This project came to life with the support of Hannah Do, whose meticulous attention to detail ensured every element aligned seamlessly. From selecting the perfect dress to pairing it with elegant jewelry by Butones Jewelry, her guidance elevated the narrative of Strength in Simplicity.
This photoshoot was more than a celebration of Bach Mai’s design. It was a story of contrasts and harmony. The minimalist elegance of Casa Nomada gave the dress room to shine, while Pinky’s quiet strength brought it to life. Together, they created images that celebrated individuality and grace.
Bach Mai’s designs are renowned for empowering the wearer, and this black dress exemplified that ethos. Its understated sophistication resonated with every scene, proving that elegance often lies in simplicity.
Storytelling Through Fashion
For designers seeking to showcase their work in unique and meaningful ways, this shoot demonstrates the power of storytelling in fashion photography. By blending architecture, design, and emotion, we created a narrative as compelling as it was visually stunning.
This approach draws inspiration from legendary photographer Norman Parkinson, whose work remains a profound influence. Renowned for his ability to weave storytelling into fashion, his legacy is celebrated in his latest book, which highlights his timeless ability to blend fashion, emotion, and striking settings into captivating narratives.
Similarly, our project at Casa Nomada serves as a reminder of how simplicity can tell the most powerful stories. With Pinky’s grace, Bach Mai’s artistry, and the serene elegance of Casa Nomada, we created something timeless and inspiring.
Designers and brands looking to elevate their creations are invited to collaborate with us. Whether through editorial shoots or curated campaigns, we’re here to bring your vision to life. Let’s create compelling visuals that showcase your work to the world.
© Paul Tocatlian. All Rights Reserved.
Kisau Photography 