Last month, I was entrusted with a project that still feels surreal: producing an entire lookbook for ML Monique Lhuillier’s Spring 2025 collection. For those who may not know, Monique Lhuillier has long been synonymous with sophisticated luxury—her designs effortlessly balance femininity, allure, and glamour with an element of whimsy. She’s a name adored by Hollywood’s most stylish, from Emma Stone to Blake Lively, Gwyneth Paltrow, Taylor Swift, and Reese Witherspoon.
To have the opportunity to interpret her vision through my lens—and during a time when the world still feels upside down—was not only humbling, but also one of those once-in-a-career moments. Today, I wanted to share a peek behind the curtain at what it takes to pull off a project like this, especially when you’re working with a tiny team in the middle of a pandemic.
Redefining Roles
Let me start by saying: I’ve never thought of myself as a model. Far from it. What I do have is a background in ballet, which has given me a natural awareness of movement, light, and angles—skills that happen to translate beautifully in front of the camera. Still, labels like “model” or even “influencer” have never felt quite right to me. At the heart of everything I create—whether it’s styling, photography, or writing—is a vision. That’s the common thread tying it all together.
When the ML team gave us full creative control to capture their Spring 2025 collection in Palm Beach, I knew it was a rare opportunity. They trusted our perspective, and that trust meant everything. To bring the project to life, I teamed up with my longtime collaborator and friend, photographer and art director Chelsae Anne, along with my right-hand woman Tida, who seamlessly juggled multiple roles: assistant stylist, assistant photographer, shoot coordinator—you name it. Our trio became the engine behind this entire production.
And because health and safety were non-negotiable, we kept the team small. Just the three of us, working tirelessly for two 12-hour days to capture 15 looks and countless moments that still feel magical.
Scaling Down a Production
In a typical world, a lookbook shoot for a major fashion house would involve a small army: photographers, stylists, assistants, an art director, a full hair and makeup crew, brand representatives, and sometimes even the designer herself. Having worked early in my blogging career on campaigns with 50-person teams, I know just how massive these productions can be.
This time, though, it was just us. Three women, three sets of eyes, three pairs of hands. We didn’t have the luxury of delegating tasks—everyone wore multiple hats. But in many ways, that intimacy made the project feel even more special. Every choice, every detail, every frame was infused with a personal touch.
Finding the Perfect Backdrop
We initially pitched three Palm Beach locations to the ML team—each one a hidden gem that I’ve loved for years. They were on board with all three. But when we arrived at the Society of the Four Arts, a lush garden tucked away in Palm Beach, it felt so right that we made a bold decision: shoot the entire lookbook there.
It turned out to be a risk worth taking. The gardens, often used for weddings, were open to the public but blissfully quiet during our shoot days. The stillness gave us not only peace of mind about safety, but also a serene, dreamlike environment that mirrored the romance of Monique’s designs.
Dancing with the Camera
Because of my ballet background, posing for me has always been about movement rather than stillness. I don’t hold a pose; I flow from one to another, almost like choreography. That fluidity shaped the aesthetic of this lookbook. In keeping with Monique’s romantic spirit, we intentionally shot a handful of frames slightly blurred or out of focus, as though you were catching a fleeting glimpse of someone twirling through the gardens.
The tropical foliage, dappled sunlight, and soft architecture became natural extensions of the clothing. The dresses didn’t just sit in the gardens—they belonged there, whispering stories of intimate celebrations and carefree elegance.
The Collection
The Spring 2025 collection is a study in contrasts: elevated daywear seamlessly paired with luxurious evening pieces. It’s designed for women who relish the joy of dressing up, whether for an intimate outdoor gathering or a simple yet beautiful civil ceremony.
The palette ranges from ethereal bridal whites to playful pastels, all punctuated with delicate lace and feminine silhouettes. There’s a freshness to it—a balance between timeless elegance and youthful whimsy. As I slipped into each look, I couldn’t help but feel like I was embodying different stories: the bride-to-be wandering through a garden, the woman celebrating milestones under string lights, the dreamer embracing moments of quiet romance.
A Personal Win
As exhausting as two full days of shooting can be, this project was a joy from beginning to end. It pushed us creatively, tested our stamina, and reminded me of why I fell in love with this industry in the first place. The fact that Monique Lhuillier—a designer whose work I’ve admired for years—entrusted our tiny but mighty team to bring her vision to life feels like a huge win for The Style Bungalow.
And while the official collection won’t be available until February 2025, you can preview the latest designs on their website. Let’s just say there are a few looks that quite literally took my breath away.
Gratitude
To Monique Lhuillier and her team: thank you. Thank you for the trust, the creative freedom, and the chance to contribute to your incredible legacy. This lookbook will forever remain one of those pinch-me moments I’ll carry with me for years to come.
Sometimes the most meaningful projects aren’t the ones with the biggest teams or the grandest budgets—they’re the ones born out of passion, vision, and collaboration. And this, without a doubt, was one of them.