Lights, camera, glamour!

Behind the scenes at our GLAMOUR’S Most GLAMOUROUS 2017 shoots.

w hat do you get when you mix 10 stunning women, two world-class photographers, three hair and makeup artists, four rails of exquisite designer gowns, 18 pairs of killer heels and our phenomenal fashion team? The most glamorous shoot of them all – and a celebration of individuality, self-expression and knock-out style.

The look

“I was inspired by Coco Chanel’s legacy of classic glamour, and that begins with black and white,” says our fashion director Chrisna de Bruyn. She and fashion assistant Tania Durand liaised with designers and hit the stores to find standout creations, so they could fill the rails with options before making the final choices.

Photographer Jonathan Taylor brought our vision to life in Cape Town and Steve Marais worked his magic in Joburg. “Beautiful lighting and a simple studio setting was all these stunning women needed after that,” says Chrisna.

The details

“The bold black-and-white theme called for strong jewellery, so we chose large hoops, lots of diamanté and retro designs,” says Tania. “And then, of course, there were the heels – skyscraper stilettos, embellished ankle straps and flattering nudes for the essential final touch!”

The ambience

Our first day of shooting began in Cape Town, with Jenna Mcarthur arriving in typically striking style, dressed in top-to-toe black. By the time Mishka Patel and Alyssa Cole had joined the crew, the mood was jovial, with music, selfies and plenty of chatter.

Four days after we’d completed the photographs of the Cape Town winners, Chrisna and Tania were off to Joburg for the second round, their bags packed with wonderful clothes.

This time, it was Enhle Mbali Maphumulo who kicked off the proceedings with her charm and graceful beauty. Hot on her designer heels came Cara Frew, Boity Thulo, Lulama Wolf and Taryn Louch.

Then it was Marianne Fassler’s turn; the dramatic designer arrived with a selection of her own magnificent designs to wear, and the creative mood reached a new level – as did the chatter.

And by the time we sat down for lunch, the conversations had ranged from talk of Lulama’s trip to Paris Fashion Week to Taryn’s favourite rugby player. All proof that true glamour involves spirit as well as style!