"I hope you don't mind me asking but would you ever consider modelling?" This was my rather nervous opening line on the Overground from Hackney Central, on a train that was fortuitously, in this case, stuck between stations. I'd spotted Leona, struck by her modern-Raphaelite looks, and after much deliberation aided by the train delay, took the plunge to ask her.
"Never done any modelling, I'm a primary school teacher!" Leona responded demurely, we chatted clothes and style for a couple of minutes, then as we swapped numbers, the train jolted into action and we parted in a flash. So, I was thrilled when she messaged me a week later and agreed to squeeze in an afternoon at our Spitalfields photoshoot, just in time before the new term started!
On a sunny September day, whilst our regular crew gathered in a historic Spitalfields Huguenot house, lovely Leona was modelling in a shoot of her own. Captured by Jannine Newmann, a photographer with a passion for portraiture, Leona chose her favourite pieces from the collection and together, they created their own Bloomsbury-esque photo story…
I was struck by Leona's style when I spotted her, and within minutes realised we had a shared love of romantic dresses. We hit it off immediately. Leona was a natural in front of the camera - needless to say I was not surprised to learn she enjoys acting as a hobby!
Apologies, the Fairisle Tank Top sold out within an hour of releasing last week! However, our collaborators at Wallace Sewell have a limited size stock available here
We were also lucky enough to work with Esska shoes this autumn, who kindly offered their fabulous sustainably made shoes for the shoot. Leona chose this fun metallic pair of platforms, great worn with patterned socks for a quirky edge.
Leona wears the Blackwatch Irish linen trousers with the Almond Fairisle jumper. We created a dress, the 'Lavenham', in the same beautiful Irish linen which is selling fast!
We'll be seeing more from Leona, later in the season as she styles some of our winter clothes. Working with her was a real pleasure. Would you like to appear in one of our shoots? Do let us know, it's something we would like to do more of and seeing you wear your dresses brings a huge smile to us here! Do send us your photos and we will add to instagram or please tag us here !
A big thank you to Leona.
Photos by Jannine Newman www.janninenewman.com
Justine x