Behind the scenes shooting Rocky Barnes in Hawaii

 

Aloha! Earlier this year I was lucky enough to flee the winter to a tropical Island far, far away. In recent years I have become more and more fascinated by Hawaii and it was the inspiration behind the new collection, 'Life's A Beach'. So to be able to shoot the new campaign and get to travel around the islands was a very exciting idea.

 

After 18 hours of flying (mostly over the vast snowy landscapes of Iceland and Canada) we touched down in Honolulu. As we stepped off the plane the air hostess welcomed us 'to paradise' as the warm, tropical air hit us.

 

We rented a house on the North Shore, just five minutes walk along the beach from Pipeline  the worlds most famous surf break so we could watch the Volcom Pipe Pro (one the biggest surf comps of the year). It did not disappoint! Being an ‘El Nino’ year we saw some of the biggest waves they have had for years and the likes of Kelly Slater and John John Florence tore it up all week long. 

 

 

After settling in and researching locations to shoot the new collection, we were excited to have a day with the gorgeous model and lifestyle blogger Rocky Barnes . We chose to base the shoot at the Kawela Bay, one of the most secluded beaches on the North Shore, lined with coconut palms, banyan trees and golden sand.

 

We shot from dawn until dusk and had a fabulous day working together to create the new campaign. Rocky was divine and I couldn't have dreamt of a better team to help capture the moment. In particular, we wanted to show how to combine the new pieces with previous collections, for example by layering up necklaces to create your own look. Its about having fun with your jewellery and enjoying how it makes you feel.

 

 

One of the things that I loved most about the Hawaiians is how they cherish their homeland. Aloha is a familiar greeting to many of us off the island, but it actually has several meanings. It is both an expression of love and farewell as well as a way of life. As Pali Jae Lee, a Hawaiian writer, explains in her book 'Tales of the Night Rainbow'.

 

 

 

 

 

Model - Rocky Barnes

Jewellery by Catherine Zoraida

Photography by Oliver Blackwell

Make-up and Hair by Kecia Littman