Bread & Butter: The Shoot
To prepare for the online launch of the Fades Bread & Butter collection, I took on the role of creative director and stylist for a photoshoot featuring every product in the collection. Beyond simply showcasing the items, my goal was to highlight their versatility by combining streetwear pieces with preppy styles, offering shoppers creative inspiration for styling. This approach not only showcased the products but also demonstrated how thoughtful styling can enhance the shopping experience and resonate more deeply with customers.
Having designed these pieces with the idea of them being everyday pieces, simple, easy, versatile, like bread and butter, I looked to apply the same mindset to the shoot itself. I also understood the literal bread designs that came with this collection, and implemented the same straightforward direction in the shoot.
Process
Moodboard
I began by sourcing photos that showcased bread as a purposeful storytelling element rather than a mere prop, using these as inspiration. Then, I curated outfits that combined the collection’s streetwear aesthetic with refined elements like loafers, pleated skirts, silk bandannas, and polished accessories, creating a unique and versatile look.
I incorporated color swatches for the "pop" colors that stood out during the planning process. The vibrant reds and pinks provided a striking contrast to the neutral tones—browns, tans, and blacks—that dominate the majority of the collection.
This wasn’t my first photoshoot, but planning on this scale was a new experience for me. I began by sourcing references for shot selection, aiming to be intentional with the subjects. My goal was to move beyond simply showcasing products on models and instead create an engaging, interactive visual experience - not just for the viewers, but for the models as well. Additionally, shooting with 35mm film added a warm, grainy texture that unified the project's overall aesthetic.
Shot Inspiration
Shot Logistics
Challenges
While this wasn’t my first photoshoot, it was the first time I considered elements like colour pallet styling, lens selection, the photographer’s specialty, and planning specific shots rather than just capturing a subject in the product. Since this was a product and brand shoot, I also learned the importance of capturing assets tailored for different uses, such as Instagram posts, lookbooks, email marketing, and sales materials. Not accounting for this limited where I could use the content and taught me to plan for diverse outputs next time. Additionally, shooting entirely on 35mm film meant I couldn’t review photos on a screen or monitor during the shoot, leaving me in the dark until development and editing.