Fantasy worlds and folklore is one of my favourite forms of escapism – I’m fascinated by it all.

With a crazy pace that many of us live life in the ‘real world’ – Why NOT occasionally allow ourselves to return to the place of childhood magic!? Where worlds are topsy turvy… and creatures push boundaries of beings… and literally ANYTHING is possible….

Many of us grew up on fables and tales; lovingly read to us as we doze off to dreamland… Beautiful stories to rest our pretty little minds on. But what is a good fairytale story if there’s not some bad-ass antagonist, hell-bent on thwarting our heroin or heroine from their perfect little life!?

These were the characters that always stood out to me – and probably haunted one-too-many of my dreams!

URSULA

   A Cecaelia (part human, part octopus/squid) sea witch, who uses her magic to take advantage of merfolk, offering them something they want at a high cost, and claiming them if they are unable to pay.

(Hmmm, somehow this creature from a ‘fantasy world’ sounds an awful lot like certain characters in our ‘real world’ – haha!)

I used to believe when I was a kid, that I could sing underwater – Just-Like-Ariel. Thankfully after countless mouthfuls of pool water later, I moved on from this unlikely dream. My brother however, continued to torment me at our grandparent’s pool saying that if I was to swim over the drain hole, Ursula would emerge with all her creepy tentacles and pull me in with her. To this day, I don’t think I EVER swam over that drain hole.

(The power of Disney, mixed with a little fear inducing torment from one’s brother…. Kids!)

When asked if I’d be interested in creating a piece for URSULA for a fun, fantasy photoshoot – I was ecstatic! The chance to re-created a character who haunted most of my childhood – but of course!

I created a crown that was rugged, but still moved ‘water like’ as if it was in a current deep in the ocean. Using feathers on the front of the crown gave it that perfect movement I was looking for. The dress and crown came together so cohesively – sight unseen, day-of photoshoot – I just love it when that happens!

 

The make-up and hair for this editorial was dynamite – rugged and moody! I Love it!

Those eyes… I’ve had the privilege of working with Hailee on several photoshoots, as well as my own collection shoot for LMCM – and every time she nails it! I swear there’s no one in the biz with a better stare to draw you in!

    

“… She looked like art, and art wasn’t supposed to look nice; it was supposed to make you feel something.”
― Rainbow Rowell

  Lynda Marie Couture Millinery is thrilled to have been a part of this amazing team involved in creating this fantastical editorial:

Photographer::  (All photos are courtesy of this fantastic photographer!)

Make-up & Hair:: Beauty & Style by Erin Bradley

Dress:: 

Millinery:: Lynda Marie Couture Millinery

Model:: Hailee Whittam at Coultish Management

 This editorial was featured on Dark Beauty Magazine and in print with Rebelicious Magazine!!

(Check out the full features at the links highlighted)

I hope you enjoyed!!

Much Love, xo