Pia Gould x Bach Mai: A Melbourne Story in Black and White

What’s your take when high fashion steps into your world?

That’s the question Pia Gould and I set out to answer on the streets of Melbourne. Both of us stepped out of our comfort zones for this shoot. Pia, as a model exploring a more theatrical, interactive approach, and me, blending the raw energy of black-and-white street photography with the spark of editorial fashion. Wearing a stunning design from Bach Mai, Pia didn’t just wear the dress, she made it part of the story. It wasn’t about playing it safe. It was about experimenting, learning, and seeing where the collaboration would take us.

Wearing a Bach Mai dress from his first collection, Pia turned the streets into her playground. The oversized street posters became part of the narrative. She didn’t just pose. She played mirroring gestures, interacting with the setting, and letting the energy of the street guide her. The result felt spontaneous and alive.

This shoot perfectly illustrates what makes photoshoot collaborations so rewarding. It pushes you to think differently, adapt, and grow. The asymmetrical shimmer of the dress contrasted beautifully with Melbourne’s gritty streetscape, creating a visual dialogue between elegance and rawness. Together, we let go of perfection and leaned into the unexpected, trusting that the imperfections would tell a more compelling story.

What made this experience so memorable was Pia’s willingness to interpret the dress in her own way. Every model who’s worn this Bach Mai piece has brought something unique to it. Pia transformed it into a bold, playful, and undeniably personal performance. For me, capturing these moments was pure joy. It reminded me that stepping outside the familiar isn’t just necessary, but it’s where the magic happens.