Dazzle
The slowly setting-down sun, the still golden rays of light in the horizon, add to an atmosphere of the late summer days. The skies become a kind of a background resembling a studio set up with saturated colors changing as time passes. Shooting full day, the team had to approach, in a creative way, the continuous changes in light and determine how to present the outfits.
The work with contrasts, the shadows created by the hyperbolized hat brims, the flashlight that illuminates the facial features - all elements work together to bring forth the designed pieces from Constança’s collections.
In this collaboration between the photographer Josep Román and the designer Constança Entrudo, the idea of approaching fashion collections from a macro perspective is explored. As Constança explains, “During quarantine, I come up with the idea of shooting a seasonless lookbook.” We speak with the team and discuss Constança’s artisanal approach to her collections, and the technique behind the shoot, precisely, the play with artificial and natural lights.
Photography Josep Román Barri Styling Judit Melis MUAH Iria Salgado MUA Assistant Maria José Merino Art Enea Cabanes Light Technician Ivan Montero Photo Assistant Ricardo Muca Creative Production Débora Zhang López Talents Yosephine Aldomar at Agencia River Irene Ramirez at Blow Models Bomseol Kim at Francina Models Clothes by Constança Entrudo
‘It's a mix of different collections. We really didn’t care about shooting a particular season of her brand, as we wanted it to be free. I always feel much more relaxed when there aren't any fashion or commercial restraints, and I truly love working on independent projects like this one, with soul.’
— Josep Román
How did this collaboration between you and Constança come about? Where did you meet?
Josep: We met each other on Instagram in the middle of the quarantine. I guess we felt a mutual admiration for each other's work. I saw this craft on Constança’s clothes that I felt very attracted to. From there, we started a conversation, and we thought that it would be interesting to collaborate. We kept talking, and until recently, we did not find the moment to shoot this editorial. It's a mix of different collections. We really didn’t care about shooting a particular season of her brand, as we wanted it to be free. I always feel much more relaxed when there aren't any fashion or commercial restraints, and I truly love working on independent projects like this one, with soul.
Constança: Yes, the way this all happened was very spontaneous. And it is quite funny because, during quarantine, I did come up with the idea of shooting a seasonless lookbook, so I could also challenge myself to look at my collections with a different and wider perspective. When Josep showed me his direction and selection of pieces, I was very surprised and instantly realized this was a very good connection.
‘The main goal was to play with the textures of the textiles and the set design highlighting the artisanal approach of my work. I feel the result was romantic yet young and fresh, which relates to my brand's identity.’
— Constança Entrudo
What were the main characteristics of the models you were looking for so they would fit the concept of the story?
Josep: Actually, there wasn’t any strict plan for the cast; we just wanted it to be very natural and off-the-cuff. It is hard sometimes to foresee the result of mixing different people who are not exactly in the same mood, but in the end, it turned out quite well. The 'dazzle effect' on the faces (caused both by the sun and the flash), the attitude, and the shadows allowed to create this common feature, which united the whole.
Let’s speak about the collection of clothes used in the editorial and especially the design of hats. Could you tell about the creation process and the way you wanted to present the pieces in this story?
Constança: All the pieces chosen for this editorial are very material-focused (the handwoven, printed wool bucket hats, the handwoven thread trousers, and the crystal embroidered gradient knits). The main goal was to play with the textures of the textiles and the set design highlighting the artisanal approach of my work. I feel the result was romantic yet young and fresh, which relates to my brand's identity. The use of the light and flash was key to perceiving both the details in the garments and in nature.
‘I always liked this idea of reinforcing light in the outdoors. Actually, it was my first time shooting with additional flashlights. I had some references in mind, and my friend Iván helped me out to configure it to create this staged or studio look’
— Constança Entrudo
The use of flash in the setting sun creates a powerful image and emphasizes the colors of the sky. Tell about your technique and approach to photographing outdoors.
Josep: I always liked this idea of reinforcing light in the outdoors. Actually, it was my first time shooting with additional flashlights. I had some references in mind, and my friend Iván helped me out to configure it to create this staged or studio look, which was especially interesting in the sunset. The idea of the lighting was part of the concept, as the shooting was planned to be all day long, and we were aware that the light would change in the making. So we were playing with light when the sun and use of flash would affect the gaze to become blinded and uncomfortable. Because of the shadows, sometimes created by the hats themselves, some images have this black mask on the eyes.
Which moment from this project is most precious to you?
Josep: Probably, the moment where you realize that you’ve learned something. I mean, you always learn something new… but in this case, the technical approach was completely new to me, which made it a success, in a manner of speaking. Aside from that, the sunset moments were great, and of course, I am always grateful to work on a team that is so motivated, talented, and kind.
Constança: Since I was never present physically during the shooting, I have to say the most precious moment to me was, obviously, when I saw the result. I was very happy as I feel it is always a tricky job to have my fabrics highlighted through photography, and this was probably the time I felt it was achieved.
