HAVE YOU EVER just felt so beautiful? Like so beautiful that nothing else mattered because you were in such a space of delight? That is the feeling I have whenever I wear the Calla earrings by Cult Gaia. It was this feeling that inspired me to develop a photoshoot that captured the confidence these accessories would give anyone.
The overall intention of this shoot is to tell a story about an individual who is confident and at ease within their own beauty and radiance. Someone who knows they turn heads and have no problem expanding and taking up space. Yet, they are centered by their own self validations and embrace the power of their unique style.
“Every movement I made created a sparkling chorus as the pearls gently chimed against the delicate brass petals.”
I found inspiration for this series in the whimsical and eye-catching nature of the pieces themselves. Originally, I bought these chime-like lilies to be part of my own jewelry collection — they were one of my first statement accessories. When I first wore them out, I felt magical and sensual; like an elevated version of myself. Every movement I made created a sparkling chorus as the pearls gently chimed against the delicate brass petals.
I’m not writing this article to get anyone to buy these particular earrings per se. I am writing this article to encourage anyone to gift themselves an accessory that makes them feel stunning. No audience necessary. Self-awareness and an affirmation of one's own beauty is all. Take up space without guilt. Allow yourself to shimmer and glow with the fullest expression of your soul. ■
“The overall intention of this shoot is to tell a story about an individual who is confident & at ease within their own beauty & radiance.”
ABOVE: An image of myself wearing the Calla earrings during a night out in Sorrento, Italy.
Photographed by Gianni De Gregorio, June 2022 / Sorrento, Italia
Captured with a street box camera / Instant, analog, black and white portrait process
TEAM CREDITS
Creative, Art, Photo & Motion Direction, Writing, Casting & Production MARK BAKER-SANCHEZ / Featuring INES JUSTICE / Photography, Lighting, Set Design & Retouching MIGUEL ANGEL SALGADO / Cinematography MICHAEL GERRARD / Wardrobe Stylist DIAMOND ARIEL / Makeup Artist WILL ADRIAN / Hair Stylist CAITLYN HASTINGS / Video Edit, Title Design & End Credits MARK BAKER-SANCHEZ / Photo & Video Assistant KELSEY REID / Hair, Makeup & Wardrobe Assistant MARIA BAKER / Lighting Assistant CHRIS PRINCE / Creative Consultation for Social Media SAMANTHA JANE / Accessories CULT GAIA / Studio Space FLOCC