How does fashion weave connections across cultures? This question inspired one of my recent projects, and I’m thrilled to share that the resulting photoshoot has been featured in the inaugural issue of COPIED Magazine by The Next Bay Area Runway!
The collaboration brought together an incredible team: Maya Romanazzo, our model who embodied elegance; Scott Braxton, a fashion designer with a remarkable attention to detail; and Butones Jewelry, whose pieces added a subtle sophistication. Together, we explored how fashion, culture, and nature can harmoniously intertwine to tell a story of connection and unity.
The Setting: A Place Where Cultures Meet
If there’s a place that answers the question, “How does fashion weave connections across cultures?”, it’s Hakone Estate & Gardens. This Japanese-inspired space became a character in the narrative. The koi ponds, bamboo groves, and timeless architecture echoed themes of balance and unity, perfectly complementing the story we set out to tell. It was a setting that reminded us how deeply connected beauty, design, and culture can be.
The Dress: A Fabric That Tells a Story
Scott Braxton’s dress captured the essence of connection in its design. The gold embroidery traced intricate patterns over sheer panels, creating a look that felt both delicate and strong. As Maya moved, the dress came alive, catching the light in subtle ways and drawing attention to the artistry behind it. It reflected Scott’s ability to merge modern aesthetics with a nod to traditional craftsmanship, making it a piece that felt rooted yet boundary-pushing.
In many ways, the dress itself answered our guiding question. Fashion, like culture, can bridge the past and present, blending techniques and influences to create something new while honoring where it came from.
The Jewelry: A Small Detail with Big Impact
Butones Jewelry added another layer to the narrative with a gold medallion necklace that was simple but purposeful. It brought refinement without overpowering the dress, serving as a reminder that even the smallest details can carry cultural significance and complete a story.
Behind the Lens: Capturing the Connections
As the photographer, Paul Tocatlian focused on letting the elements speak for themselves. The natural light filtering through the bamboo added warmth and softness, while Maya’s calm and poised energy brought everything together. Each frame felt like a conversation between the dress, the jewelry, and the garden. A visual dialogue about connection, balance, and cultural harmony.
Where to See More
Grab a copy of COPIED Magazine at @thenextbayarearunway and check out the feature! It’s exciting to see this collaboration alongside other amazing projects from creatives across the Bay Area. And if this story inspires you and you’d like to bring your own vision to life, feel free to contact us.
Unpublished Photos from the Shoot
COPIED Magazine: The Article
In an elegant blend of cultures, Maya Romanazzo graces Hakone Estate & Gardens in a captivating photoshoot that marries Scott Braxton’s fashion design with the serenity of a Japanese-inspired setting. This collaboration, led by photographer Paul Tocatlian, showcases the power of international artistry and connection.
Maya’s dress, a masterwork by Scott Braxton, flows with intricate patterns that evoke a sense of movement and delicacy. Crafted with gold embroidery and sheer panels, the garment combines modern aesthetics with traditional craftsmanship, highlighting Braxton’s eye for detail and texture. The ornate, swirling patterns on the dress catch the light in subtle ways, enhancing its luxurious feel and reflecting the tranquility of the garden setting.
Adding an extra layer of sophistication, Maya wears a statement necklace from Butones Jewelry, which serves as a perfect complement to the dress. The piece, a gold medallion on a chain, is bold yet refined, adding a subtle touch of opulence without overwhelming the ensemble. Its simplicity contrasts beautifully with the detailed dress, creating a balanced look that embodies elegance and restraint.
Each photograph captures Maya’s serene poise, set against the lush greenery and traditional architecture of Hakone Gardens. Paul’s lens draws out the harmonious interplay of cultures, reflecting the timeless beauty of both the Japanese garden and the intricate dress. Through thoughtful composition and natural light, the images radiate a calm, almost meditative quality, celebrating the seamless fusion of tradition and modernity.
This photoshoot transcends mere fashion photography. It’s a visual narrative of cultural convergence, where every element, from the setting to the dress and jewelry, plays a vital role in telling a story of harmony and elegance.
© Paul Tocatlian. All Rights Reserved.
Kisau Photography 