Setting the Scene
Some shoots feel planned from the start. Others come to life along the way. This one unfolded because Monique Zhang had a clear vision and the heart to make it happen. It was a preview for Akarshan Designs, a San Francisco Bay Area fashion brand deeply rooted in Indian tradition, featured in Soirée Mystique.
I had worked with Monique once before, during the unveiling of her latest collection: AZIMUTH. When she reached out again, I was thrilled to join. She has a calm but focused way of leading. She knows what she wants, but stays open to what the moment brings.
She gathered the team. Brought together three beautiful models. Found a great location. We met along the coast, where the ocean and bay blur. It felt peaceful and wild all at once. The colors. The textures. The space. Everything lined up.
A Quiet Beginning
This photoshoot, featuring designs by Akarshan, offers a preview of Soirée Mystique. It is the annual charity gala exclusively produced by Monique Zhang as Executive Producer of Catwalk for Charitable Causes, together with her co-producers.
The event will support Miracle University and IANGEL, two nonprofits chosen and supported by the event honorary chair Fiona Ma, co-chairs Ram Thanapandian and Anupriya Ramraj, that do meaningful work in education, mentorship, and justice.
But before all that, there was this afternoon together. No stage. No crowd. Just light, clothing, and intention.
Kellie, Darlene, and Kathya wore a series of Indian-inspired looks by Akarshan Designs. Rich reds. Shimmering mirrorwork. Soft floral prints. The theme of the show is The Flow of the Sari, the Movement of the Lehenga, and you could feel that in the way the fabric shifted in the wind. Each design had its own energy.
We started near the cliffs, stepped into the cool shade of the cave, then ended by the ocean’s edge. The light changed as we moved, and the mood with it. I tried to stay quiet behind the camera and let the moment lead.
The Details That Stay With You
Hair and makeup brought out something soft and powerful in the models. Braids wrapped in jewel-toned scarves. Delicate jewelry placed with care. Kundan details, pearls, bold earrings, and traditional nose rings. It felt rooted and thoughtful.
The fabric caught every change in light. Velvet. Silk. Chiffon. Brocade. The textures helped tell the story. And the way the models moved in those clothes made each frame feel alive.
Looking Toward the Show
Soirée Mystique will feature designers like:
Each one brings something different to the story.
The evening will reach its peak with Akarshan Legacy, a collection that celebrates sixty years of Indian design by daughter-father Harminder and Manjeet Singh Bajaj. Closing the night, Daniel Cartagena will present his sculptural creations, shaped by global influences.
There will be music, food, a marketplace of artisan work, and a youth performance. The afterparty will carry the energy into the night.
Akarshan Showroom
Akarshan’s showroom is located at 474 San Mateo Ave in San Bruno, CA 94066. Visits are by appointment only, offering a private and personalized experience with their collection. To schedule an appointment, contact them at (650) 302-0345.
A Small Part of a Bigger Story
I’m grateful to have collaborated on this project. It felt like a calm before the excitement. A chance to slow down and connect. Monique made space for all of us to bring something of ourselves to the shoot.
Photoshoot Credits
- Producer: Monique Zhang
- Designer: Akarshan Designs
- Model: Kellie Mozelle
- Model: Darlene Singh
- Model: Kathya Dayana
- Hair and Makeup Artist: Francoise Zhang
- Photographer: Paul Tocatlian
If you are a brand, designer, model, or creative looking to create visual stories with feeling, I would love to connect. Whether for fashion editorials, look books, or runway coverage, let’s create something together.
© Paul Tocatlian. All Rights Reserved.
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