There’s something so magical and mysterious about Polaroid photos, and with film being expensive and hard to find these days, there’s an elusive quality about them as well. When I came across Polaroid photographer Fernanda Montoro‘s work, I was blown away by the simple beauty of each image. The colours, the lighting, the textures, the mood conveyed through each piece is breathtaking. I’ve been using Polaroid imagery in the Bicyclette branding as well as a source of inspiration, but these photos have made me want to start experimenting more and explore other ways to incorporate it. To be continued?
images via fernanda montoro
I have a slightly odd obsession with vintage nightgowns, and thus have managed to build a fairly impressive collection. There’s something about the pastel tones, layers of sheer fabric and an abundance of lace and other intricate detailing that I fall victim too so easily.
So when I found the below photo on Fashion Toast, I decided that it was a sign that I should share my obsession with the world and hang my pieces along the Bicyclette studio window. How perfect! Love the way they catch the light and the whimsical, nostalgic quality of the display. I believe this is from the Free People headquarters, which makes perfect sense. Have I mentioned how much I love Free People? Always in my inspiration folder.
I’ll post photos when I have a chance to actually execute this. For now, it was just a little side tracked thought as I continue posting product to the site. Don’t worry, I’m hard at work, I promise!
photo cred: fashion toast
I am in love with this photo shoot. Every now and then I come across something that is so closely aligned with my own creative vision that it gives me the chills. Whereas my first Photo Inspiration post was focused on product shots for the website, this Miss Unkon shoot is how I imagine the Bicyclette look book to be: soft light and palette, a retro feminine feeling, a mix between in- and outdoors, and a girl-about-her-day storyline. Not to mention the styling. And the variety in photo cropping and use of graphic shapes. Le sigh.
Collaborations really excite me. One thing about having your own business and essentially being a one-woman team is missing out on the opportunity to share ideas and skill sets with other team members. Which is why, when I have the chance to work with someone on a new project, I always jump at the chance. Especially someone whose work I’ve secretly been admiring from afar.
With the majority of Bicyclette merchandise now in the studio and the website currently in development, it’s about time to think about product shots and look books. And so, I am pleased to introduce you to Shelby Fenlon, aka Lola Haze, who will be working with Bicyclette as photographer.
Shelby’s aesthetic is very closely aligned to that of Bicyclette, which I think is why I have been so drawn to her work. With a vintage aesthetic, an awe-inspiring ability to capture natural light and ethereal beauty and a tendency towards abstract composition there’s an undeniable and somewhat mysterious allure to each shot.
Here’s a brief sampling, enjoy.
Shelby’s work can be found on Flickr and Tumblr. And hopefully on the blog again!
Found this LF Spring 2010 Look Book shot by Harper Smith, and now it’s giving me some major summer wardrobe and photo shoot envy.
Love the styling (layers, mixed prints and textures, lots of jewelry) and especially the headpieces that create a consistent theme but are different in every shot. Not quite sure how you would go about describing the theme here (tea party meets grunge meets boho meets pirate?), but it works, and I like it.
The lighting is also great. Take a look at Harper Smith’s portfolio, he has a lot of beautiful shots and he knows how to use natural light to create atmosphere and dynamism. I’m such a sucker for beautiful photos.
Makes me want to overhaul my wardrobe and start all over, with this as my inspiration. I think summer’s going to be about easy, breezy, unexpected layering, lots of accessories and a little bit of fantasy.
What’s your summer styling regime?
Hooray, it’s….
I’m going to focus less on obvious interior inspiration, and more on the creation of an environment, or a feeling, within the store itself. I think this is something that is just as important as the physical attributes a store interior has, and I came across the most beautiful photostream on Flickr, *oops, that to me, exemplifies bicyclette beautifully.
Love: the delicate sparkles of white light, the ambiguous faded imagery, the dream-worthy subtlety, the muted colour palette and the overall magical feeling that is portrayed so well. I want to live in this world.
All images: http://www.flickr.com/photos/81soul/
Curious what your thoughts are about these photos. I love romantic imagery, which I think is where my attraction to these stems from. They’re so pretty, on such a simple level.
Can you see how these cold be a source of inspiration for the interior of bicyclette, or have I gone too abstract?
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