the way she wears it

It was only a few weeks ago that I was complaining to a photographer that Sydney has very few interesting studios. Sure Sun, Luxe, Mondo Digital et al are fabulous for shoots but I miss the quirky, interesting, small studios that I used to work from in London. Until I turned up to Studio Neon (sometimes also known as Infinity) for the SES Clothing ad campaign.

It is an awesome studio with fantastic props and antiques. In just about every corner or nook there are melted candles (even in the bathroom), there are chairs hanging from the ceiling at  one end of the studio and kettles hanging from the other end. Chandeliers a plenty and different chairs dotted around the place. A collection of old speakers and even a Darth Vader head tucked amongst them. A piano and a cut in half mannequin. Even the floor is paint splattered.

I loved it and can’t wait to shoot there again – except this time I’ll be using the actual studio, not just the one black wall in the place.

The SES Clothing Summer ad campaign will be in magazines and bill boards soon. I’ll post the images as soon as I have access to them.

You can see their site here

A few photos taken from my iphone using the Hipstamatic application (a new obsession of mine)

This wall is not part of the studio. It was created using tissue paper. Took ages but looked great

Paint splattered floor

Earlier this month I styled the Philip B ad campaign for his launch at The Hair Expo. I also styled the 9 models, singer and presenter for the launch party at Doltone House. It was an honour to work with a brand like Philip B and with such an amazing team.

As Hollywood’s preeminent hair-treatment expert, Philip B. has garnered international praise for his visionary approach to hair, scalp and body-care treatments. You can read more about him and his products here

Firstly the shoot. This was by far one of the largest shoots I have worked on. 5 female models, 5 male models, 1 photographer and his 2 assistants, 1 hair stylist and 2 assistants to him, 1 make up artist and 2 assistants to her, me and my 3 assistants, an interior stylist, the producer and her two assistants and an art director. On top of that add a camera man and presenter for Face TV and a stills photographer shooting behind the scenes. The studio was crazy busy and a lot of fun.

The labels I used were amazing. Herve Leger, Dolce and Gabbana, Zac Posen, Armani, Valentino and many more. All borrowed from Xile stores around Sydney CBD. If you visit the store in the QVB, ask for Manu, not only is he gorgeous looking but he is very helpful and friendly. The aim of the shoot was to get one main image using all 10 of our models for the invite to the launch. We also shot individual shots and couple shots for the ad campaign. The results are amazing.

Secondly, the launch party which was held on the eve of The Hair Expo at Doltone House. I styled 9 models for a live installation which was a huge success. I also styled the singer, the gorgeous presenter and the host for the Armand de Brignac Champagne, which was a major sponsor. Guests were treated to delicious food, drinks by Skyy Vodka and campari. They all left with a fabulous goodie bag. The VIP goody bags had jewellery from Lydia Jewels.

Rather than rattle on, I’ll say it in pictures …

THE SHOOT

Shoes glorious shoes

Working out the order for the main shot

Putting the main shot together in stages

Hair and Make Up

Me dressing Luca

So many people

Annette Melton from Face TV interviewing me (this is a horrible shot of me)

The main shot for the launch party invite.

Behind the scenes images by Luke Austin

THE LAUNCH

The view from above. Image from Chic Traveller. See more pics from the party here

Two of my fabulous assistants. Ashleigh (left) and Mel (right). I’m in the middle. Unfortunately Nicole who is my number one was away during the party.

Models gone wild

TEAM

Client: Philip B

Producer: Rosemary Hamilton for Medusa Concepts

Art Director: Jay  Lewis

Photographer: Rory Fink

Stylist: Lydia-Jane Saunders

Set Design: Christo Everingham

Make Up: Rachel Montgomery

Hair: Timothy Stone

Photography Assistant: Peter Azzi

Face TV Director: Cisco Corea

Face TV Presenter: Annette Melton

Behind the Scenes Photographer: Luke Austin

I will post the ad campaign images soon

Lydia xx

Wow, it’s been a while since I posted. 2008 to be precise. But I am back …

I must confess to the fact I have actually been cheating on this blog with another and for that I am sorry. Here is the culprit. Lydia Jewels blog

In the last two years I have launched a jewellery label called Lydia Jewels and have been busy getting that off the  ground. I put the styling on a bit of a back burner but recently I have been getting back into it.

In the last few weeks I have styled the Dr Lewinns skin care campaign which you can see on billboards around town now. I have also styled the SES clothing ad campaign and the Fancy Feasts cat food ad campaign. An absolute highlight recently was styling the Philip B haircare campaign and the launch night during the Sydney Hair Expo. I will blog about these soon I promise.

Until then, stay tuned.

If you are a new reader please do have a look at some of my old posts. I am upset that my photos have disappeared. (my own fault as I deleted a picasa album) but the posts are still fun.

Lydia xx