A London branding photo shoot to celebrate the legendary gowns of Paul Trigere
As one of the most outspoken and recognisable fashion designers in the world, Pauline Trigere's status as a fashion industry staple is hard to ignore. Yet, Trigere's 60-year career has largely been swept under the rug of history. Despite her impeccable designs, she appears on few lists of legendary designers. Perhaps even more surprising is the manner in which Trigere chose to distance herself from her own fame.
Pauline Trigere made a name for herself as an innovator. She epitomised couture with her very own mark. Her creations are timeless and sophisticated, transcending time, and to celebrate her iconic status within the fashion world, we want to take a look at one-of-a-kind garments she created during her lifetime. In this post, I share how I worked with Jessica a personal stylist from New-York on her London branding photoshoot, to create images for her brand sharing her client experience but also to celebrate Pauline’s Trigere designs legacy and attracting her ideal client.
Jessica’s Story
Jessica travelled from New-York with her Pauline Trigere outfits to spend a few days in London. It was the perfect opportunity for a styled photoshoot set in London and featuring her favourite designs. I spoke with Jessica via WhatsApp beforehand to get a sense of her vision for this project. We also met in person so I could explain what she could expect from our photoshoot and my vision for it. I discovered why Jessica was so passionate about Pauline's Designs. After graduating from the New-York Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), she became the last apprentice working with Pauline Trigere and was on a mission to celebrate Pauline's gown legacy through a styled branding photoshoot in London, to capture images for her research project, which she plans to turn into a book. We discussed the various outfits that she wanted to feature in London and suitable locations that would give her that Special London Vibe.
A London Personal Branding Photoshoot. Styling by Jessica
Vintage dress by Pauline Trigere, Quartz necklace, Jade Chiu, D&G Sunglasses.
Vintage Red Dress by Pauline Trigere, YSL Handbag, Jade Chiu Cuff Bracelets & Phoenix Ring, Mikimoto Pearl Necklace
Vintage Blue Dress & Head scarf by Pauline Trigere, Alexander McQueen Shoes
HOW TO CHOOSE A LOCATION FOR YOUR LONDON PHOTOSHOOT
We discussed numerous locations for her photoshoot. Notting Hill is one of my favourites, and Westminster. But sometimes you don’t have to look far to choose a location for your photoshoot. Take a walk around your hotel or Airbnb to uncover the streets and buildings around it. Are there any landmarks that could work for your photoshoot?
Jessica stayed in a hotel near Gloucester Road station, not far from South Kensington and the Natural History museum. She even spotted a red telephone box and a London bus stop featuring the famous red London bus. When you plan a photoshoot on location, make sure to communicate your vision with your photographer. This will make a real difference getting images that work for your brand and your message.
When choosing a location, ask yourself What, Where,Why. Working with Jessica she wanted very specific London landmarks in her images, like a red telephone box, a red bus, London buildings so that her audience would automatically know where she was and share that special London vibe. We could have gone to more locations but it’s also important to understand how long you would sustain being in front of the camera.
The worst is for you to get bored and fed up because it’s just too much and this as your photographer is the last thing I want. Trust me on this one, you will look bored in the pictures and will not remember your session as a great experience. So preparation, communication, and keeping it simple are key. If you’re planning to create a lot of content for your brand, with images for social media and your marketing, plan your photoshoot over 2 days. Don’t try to cram too much into one day. Think about the value you will get out of such a photoshoot instead of cutting corners.
London branding photoshoot for a personal stylist. Vintage Blue Dress & Head scarf by Pauline Trigere, Alexander McQueen Shoes
THE PHOTOSHOOT
We planned the photoshoot around the outfits and the locations. I had asked Jessica to think ahead about her vision for the photoshoot and which outfit she wanted to use for each location. The challenge when working on a London location photoshoot is always, where can we get changed?
They are a few options for you:
Either travel back to your hotel if the location we are working from is not too far.
Or book a private taxi where you can easily change inside and carry your suitcase with the various change of outfit.
It’s always something that I would discuss with you beforehand so you can rest your mind on the day of the photoshoot from being bugged down by practicalities. As Jessica said
“It was really fun working with you ”
This is the feeling I want you to walk away with after your London photoshoot with me.
A personal branding photoshoot in London. Vintage Yellow Dress by Pauline Trigere & Coat. Jade Chiu Cuffs
This amazing styled branding photoshoot in London will help Jessica get closer to her goal of documenting Pauline Trigere's legacy and attract her ideal client.
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