Last year, I had the privilege of stepping behind the scenes of one of my favorite fashion houses, ML Monique Lhuillier, to shoot their Spring 2021 Lookbook. Known for its whimsical charm and effortless sophistication, the ML line captures the spirit of modern femininity while staying grounded in a relaxed, youthful energy. Think flirty silhouettes, playful prints, and just the right balance of polish and ease. It was a dream to work with a brand that embodies exactly that.
So, when ML’s team reached out again—this time to capture content for their Fall-Winter 2021 “See Now, Buy Now” collection—my answer was an immediate yes. Opportunities like this don’t come often, and after a year as challenging as 2020, it felt like a small but significant victory to bring a project of this scale to life.
Wearing All the Hats
Directing full-scale shoots isn’t something I do often, but when I do, I dive in wholeheartedly. For this project, I partnered with one of my closest friends and longtime collaborator, photographer and art director Chelsea Anne. Between the two of us, we somehow managed to juggle nearly every role imaginable.
While Chelsea handled her magic behind the lens, I rotated between model, stylist, assistant stylist, production coordinator, hair and makeup artist—and occasionally, problem solver. Over three whirlwind days in Palm Beach and Miami, we shot more than 17 looks, each one styled, lit, and captured with intention.
The odds were stacked against us—humidity, unpredictable weather, shipping delays, and the ever-complicated logistics of permitting. We braced for chaos, but to our surprise, everything unfolded seamlessly. At one point, Chelsea looked at me and said, “This has gone really well… almost too well.” Sure enough, it started raining shortly after. But by then, we had already captured what we needed. I like to think the smoothness wasn’t just luck—it was the product of years of experience, countless lessons learned, and the resilience that comes only from wearing all the hats at once.
Creating a Mood
Fashion is as much about storytelling as it is about the garments themselves. For this shoot, we wanted to channel a sense of celebration—something festive, elegant, and timeless. Palm Beach provided the perfect backdrop, with its polished architecture and vibrant settings reminiscent of glamorous holiday soirées.
For the remainder of the collection, we chose Villa Woodbine in Coconut Grove, Miami. A historic Mediterranean estate turned wedding venue, it exuded old-world charm and romance, perfectly suited to the artistry of Monique Lhuillier’s designs. Each location became a character in its own right, elevating the narrative we set out to capture.
The Collections
What makes ML Monique Lhuillier so special is its ability to balance ease with refinement. The Fall 2021 collection, inspired by the natural progression of the seasons, leaned into botanical motifs and earth-inspired tones. The silhouettes embodied modern femininity—think elevated daywear pieces seamlessly paired with evening-ready designs. These were looks that could take you from brunch to a bridal shower, and onward to an intimate dinner out.
The Fall/Winter 2022 collection, by contrast, embraced the romance and artistry of Art Nouveau florals. Fluid lines, soft draping, and rich textures evoked a sense of movement and nostalgia, while still feeling fresh and wearable. Each piece seemed designed for the kind of woman who can move effortlessly between moments—grabbing flowers on a whim, heading to the courthouse for an impromptu ceremony, or hosting a candlelit dinner simply because she can.
My personal favorite from the shoot? A gown so feather-light, it felt closer to wearing silk pajamas than couture. That’s the genius of Monique Lhuillier—creating clothing that carries the grandeur of occasion while still prioritizing comfort and ease.
Lessons in Small Teams, Big Vision
One of the greatest takeaways from projects like this is the reminder that smaller teams often yield the most meaningful results. With fewer people, every role becomes more essential, and every decision more intentional. You learn to trust instincts, adapt quickly, and lean into creativity rather than perfectionism.
Over the years, I’ve come to realize that it’s in these leaner productions that I’ve grown most—creatively, professionally, and personally. There’s a certain magic in knowing you’ve touched every part of the process, from styling the clothes to arranging the shot list, to securing permits and fixing a flyaway hair. It’s exhausting, yes—but also exhilarating.
Looking Ahead
The ML Monique Lhuillier Fall 2021 collection is available now, while the Winter 2022 collection officially debuts November 1. Both lines embody the essence of what I love most about fashion: the ability to inspire confidence, spark imagination, and transform even the simplest days into something extraordinary.
These are clothes that encourage you to celebrate—not just on special occasions, but in everyday life. To throw a dinner party simply because the mood strikes. To grab your partner and elope with a bouquet of fresh flowers in hand. To step into a dress that makes you feel not only beautiful, but entirely yourself.
As I look back on this project, I’m reminded that fashion is not just about the clothing—it’s about the stories we tell while wearing it. And with Monique Lhuillier, those stories will always feel whimsical, romantic, and undeniably chic.