Pia Gould: A Melbourne Editorial Reconnection

I first met Pia Gould while I was living in Melbourne, and right from the start, we clicked. She was already wearing multiple hats as a model and hair and makeup artist, and we dove into creative projects together like we’d been working side by side for years. She even helped get my first-ever magazine feature published. That meant a lot.

Fast forward a few years, and we’re still collaborating. Even when we’re in different countries. Pia, based in Melbourne and represented by SILVERFOX Management Group, continues to crush it. She’s walked runways, booked campaigns, and popped up in a number of print and TV spots, including campaigns for Chemist Warehouse, Coles, Synergie Skin, and roles in shows like Superwog and Utopia. She’s also one of the founding members behind Kisau Photography, helping our projects get published over 150 times. She’s more than a model. She’s part of the heart of what we do.

So on my most recent trip to Melbourne, it was a no-brainer. We had to shoot. We picked one of my favorite locations: clean lines, open space, great light. I had just photographed Hannah Do there, and I love how the background doesn’t steal the spotlight. It simply supports the mood. Pia showed up ready to go, styling four unique looks and bringing her full creative energy. Each one felt like its own story.

Look One: Powder Blue Confidence

We kicked things off with a soft-yet-strong powder blue corduroy suit. Oversized blazer. Wide-leg pants. Total comfort meets cool. Pia leaned into the vibe, literally, posing against a concrete wall with one leg popped up. Her soft waves and natural makeup made everything feel relaxed and real. This look was like a deep breath in fashion form. Strong without shouting.

Look Two: Lilac Power Suit

Then came the lilac suit. And wow, did it pack a punch. Crisp tailoring, vibrant color, and a whole lot of attitude. Pia crossed her arms and gave the camera that look. Direct, grounded, unbothered. The metallic purple heels and bold lipstick turned it up even more. If the first look whispered confidence, this one straight-up owned the room.

Look Three: Effortless Elegance in Purple

Outfit three brought a shift in tone. Pia changed into a sleeveless deep purple dress, gathered at the waist with a soft front slit. She walked toward the lens like she was floating. There was something so calm about her energy here. Elegant and unforced. It was a great reminder that fashion doesn’t need to be loud to be powerful. Sometimes, simple wins.

Look Four: Urban Utility

We saved the wild card for last. Pia threw on a khaki utility jumpsuit, cinched at the waist with chunky two-tone boots and bold white sunnies. The set-up? Timber pillars, cobblestone paths, and a whole lot of texture. Pia leaned into the streetwear feel and gave it her own twist. It felt raw, cool, and completely in-the-moment. Like she had just stepped out of a magazine editorial or a music video.

A Bonus Moment with Bach Mai

Just as we were wrapping up, we had a little extra fun. Pia slipped into a striking black design by Bach Mai, and we created a few spontaneous frames right there on the streets of Melbourne. This moment felt different. We stepped out of our usual rhythm. Pia explored a more theatrical, interactive style, while I leaned into the raw edge of black-and-white street photography. It was quick, unplanned, and full of spark.

The result? A creative detour that became one of my favorite highlights from the day. It reminded me that some of the best work happens when you loosen your grip on control and trust in the collaboration. Pia brought this Bach Mai design to life in a way that was bold, playful, and deeply personal. I shared more from this moment in Pia Gould x Bach Mai: A Melbourne Story in Black and White.

One Shoot, Five Stories: Why It All Clicked

What I love about this photoshoot collaboration with Pia is how every look brought a new story to life. Even though we stayed in the same location. That’s the magic of editorial photography. It’s about vision, mood, and the person in front of the lens. If you’ve got a spot you love, don’t be afraid to go back to it. Chances are, you’ll find something new every time.

It’s the same idea that inspired The Melbourne Portraits Project, where familiar city corners turned into powerful storytelling spaces. Pia was a standout there too, and she brings that same spirit to every shoot we do together. When everyone brings their voice, you end up with something special.