We’re excited to launch our S/S 2016 Lookbook featuring Lakshmi Menon — and a spectacular house in Nasik, Maharashtra. Below, Rid Burman and Nikhil Mansata, who shot and styled it respectively, describe the mood:
NIKHIL: I spotted the Panorama House on ArchDaily a few months ago and knew it would be agreat location to shoot. Burman and I loved the idea of following Lakshmi around the house so in terms of style it feels less posey than a fashion shoot.
BURMAN: I’ve wanted to shoot Lakshmi ever since I started taking photographs 15 years ago. The experience of it was similar to a pilgrimage or visiting a shrine. Her movements, in the first light of the morning and later at the magic hour before sunset, were effortless. Instead of a professional camera, I used a tiny toy amateur Leica which sort of stayed with her like a shadow or another person in the room.
NIKHIL: In terms of styling we kept it very instinctive – we went with what felt right on Lakshmi and took cues from her own personal style. She is the ultimate model, muse and collaborator.
We added a 90’s-style choker with a Gem Palace pendant to a pretty mint McQueen dress. It gave the look a hard edge, and Lakshmi liked it so much she kept it. The image of Lakshmi wearing a Mary Katrantzou printed chiffon dress with billowy sleeves is my favourite and we shot it in the swimming pool!