As we settle fully into Winter, we’re definitely in need of some inspiration, and today’s styled shoot brings plenty of warmth into our hearts. Inspired by the timeless beauty and artistry of the eras past, today’s editorial shoot is all about viewing the Renaissance era through a contemporary lens. Their goal was to blend romanticism and the grandeur of classical art with editorial refinement, and the creative team behind this shoot executed this goal perfectly!

The creative vision behind the concept and photography was the talented team from The Berhardts, with Ben from Wildbird Films elevating everything with his cinematic eye and poetic videography.

From the beginning, the creative team knew they wanted the photography to embody a subtle cinematic twist, almost as if each image was a still from a film. Rich with movement, mood and emotion, their vision came together piece by piece.

Our model, Taj Aldeeb, is a talented Pianist and Actress who was able to use those talents and play the piano during the shoot, dressed in stunning Lola Varma gowns. The whole creative inspiration for this modern Renaissance shoot actually came from Taj and the artistry with which she plays every note. “We’re deeply inspired by art in all its forms and the artists who create it, and having had the pleasure of photographing Taj a few years ago, we knew we had to collaborate with her again.”

The hair and makeup artistry that Aimmey created on Taj was romantic and breathtakingly timeless. All of the beautiful jewellery Taj wears was handmade by Sarah Heyward, adding the perfect balance of contemporary charm and subtle elegance.

The Hotel Esplanade, also known as The Espy, in St Kilda, was the perfect backdrop for this shoot, with its stunning historic charm and impressive interiors. The beauty of the venue was only enhanced with Botanical Quarter’s soft, romantic floral pieces.

The grand piano became the central feature of this editorial, anchoring the space with a timeless elegance that was only amplified by Taj pouring her heart into the keys. “She brought the scene to life by playing soft classical tunes, adding an emotive, almost cinematic layer to the atmosphere,” Deshani shares.

The combination of The Espy’s character and the presence of the grand piano created the perfect setting for their vision. Not only did Botanical Quarter create the beautiful florals, but they also curated the styling and stationery found throughout the shoot. With full creative freedom, she worked above and beyond to bring the team’s creative vision to life.

Take a scroll through this beautiful editorial and join us in admiring this romantic, modern take on the Renaissance era through a fresh lens.