Stung

Fashion

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caratlane, beejewelled, honey comb, inspired, jewellery, the girl from FUSS, rhea Gupte, fashion editorial, illustration, art, creative, photoshoot, earrings, wings, ink splatter

Project Brief

To shoot and conceptual exclusive images for Caratlane’s Bejewelled collection inspired by honey combs, to be used on their social media channels.

Client

Caratlane

Concept

Making the honeycomb inspiration the focal point by using illustrations and minimalistic phototgraphy

Credits

A FUSS production
Photography by Anai Bharucha | Hair & MakeUp by Saher Ahmed | Art by Neha Gupte | Creative Conceptualisation, Art Direction, Styling, Modelling by Rhea Gupte

Styling Credits

Mina Fan Wave Pendant | Mina Fan Ear Cuffs |Eva Crossover Ring |Aina Deep Twist Ring |Eira Sparkle Ring | Celia Folded Stud Earrings | Yani Diamond Wave Necklace | Jolie Floral Ring | Remi Droplet Drop Earrings | Neka Vine Drop Earrings
Carey Oval Twist Pendant | Vica Intact Cage Ring | Billy Bloom Drop Earrings | Rumi Ruffle Drop Earrings | Lien Bud Ring 
Embroidered Crop Top, Blue Sheer Panel Jumpsuit, Sheer Top, Black Jumpsuit by Riddhi Mehra

Inspiration can be found in the most unassuming places. For me it is usually a long walk where somebody else takes control of monitoring the traffic on the road and allows my mind to wander through myriad thoughts, the artistic genius of Studio Ghibli —Hayao Miyazaki was a childhood hero long before I knew even the F of fashion— people on the street, a middle-aged Goan lady wearing the brightest pleated red midi and a powder blue blouse on the local bus or a construction worker wearing massive rubber boots, a monochrome lungi with a worn-in and roughened up chambray shirt at a station in Kerala come to mind, conversations, films, visuals, nature. The earth is clearly an endless source of inspiration and with the internet, documentation, imagery, the possibilities are boundless. Yet, it is so easy to get stuck in a rut, a routine, a lack of freshness and an original voice. Most popular, mainstream, commercial brands in India have established a reputation of unoriginality, aping the West or creating collection after collection apparently for the masses with lack of a thought process or cohesion. Unpardonable quality checks, cut and design are topics for a different essay. During such times, I can’t help but applaud, support and celebrate those few brands in our country which wish to deliver something far beyond mediocre, leaps ahead of the usual and brought together with uniqueness at it’s core.

CaratLane with their BeeJewelled collection is an example of one such brand pushing the boundaries of creativity, craftsmanship and design. Their latest collection is inspired from the symmetry and functionality of a honeycomb, nature’s perfect representation of precision and the finest craftsmanship. The brand manages to translate the inspiration into their products with unique motifs, patterns and tessellations. The collection is an artful medley of statement rings, delicate pendants, distinctive earrings and intricate necklaces.

To be onboard this project of producing an exclusive editorial for the brand was a delightful experience for both the creative possibilities and the opportunity to see these gold marvels up close. The idea of what this shoot would look like struck as soon as I read the email about this collection and it was only a matter of getting the right people together to translate the vision. It was meant to be mixed medium project combining the brand’s inspiration with my creative sensibilities in terms of creating a unique palette, a modern mood and a whimsical approach to art and fashion. This project took place in stages starting off with me stripping down at home in front of the mirror (as per usual) to create looks which I thought would be diverse and interesting to represent such a special collection, bunching up vague art and mood references with the clear idea to not imitate either but to establish a way of communication with the people onboard, to the shooting, editing, illustrating and composing.

When it is a long term project of this nature with a short term deadline, the strength and commitment of the talents onboard really matters and I feel like the luckiest to have Anai who never falters on a deadline or her creative compositions, Saher for her effortless talent and taming back to perfection my pesky fringe which wouldn’t settle thanks to my new haircut, and my sister Neha —with whom this is the first commissioned project I worked on and thus a hundred times more special— who is a beacon of originality and staying true to her style even on a looming deadline, and of course CaratLane for creating art and allowing me to be produce an extension to it. In a commercial world, it is not easy to have a different point of view and to stick it out, but certain people, brands, publications, come along to negate and disapprove just that, stimulating several minds along the way and after a point themselves becoming an unlimited source of inspiration.





Join the conversation

  2. OMG u r such an inspiration Rhea.. You leave me spellbound with every post.. such amazing concepts, photography and thought behind each post requires pure genius.
    Kudos to you.. you are the one that make me feel that there is so much we as bloggers can create that can set us apart from the rat race. Keep them coming
    x
    Shonima
    http://www.fashionufeel.com

    Reply
  7. Pingback: Stung : The Blck Pen X FUSS | the blck pen

  8. Rhea you are just too good. It’s a treat to see your pics. I am totally appalled by your commitment n dedication to your work. I wish you luck in all your endeavors. You have already made a niche for yourself , go girl go!!!! Neha you too best wishes for you both.

    Reply

  12. ohhhh my god, Rhea. Absolutely love the styling in this! i adore the look where you’ve draped the scarf almost like a sari. so simple yet genius. and these illustrations!! too good. you’ve totally inspired me, so thank you for this. i wanted to let u know that I truly appreciate your blog and it’s a huge source of inspiration for me. keep doing you! <3

    xx Faiyaz
    http://www.fixatedf.com

    Reply