Singaporebrides | Fashion

June 2012

Behind The Scenes – Dreamscapes in Steampunk

Love our June fashion editorial “Dreamscapes in Steampunk”? Here’s a peek at what went on behind the scenes. Enjoy!

For our June fashion shoot Dreamscapes in Steampunk, we flew to Hong Kong to meet our set design team and crew. Yes, the gowns in the shoot went for a plane ride. The dreamy train you see in the background was built from scratch by Vicky and Harry, the designer and stylist. Scroll down for a closer look at the props and some candid shots of the models working really hard.

Steampunk is science fiction, fantasy, alternate history, horror, and speculative fiction all rolled into a mysterious genre. It is set in a scene where steam power is widely used, and it could be anywhere you imagine it could be, whether in Victorian England or American Wild Wild West, or even in a post-apocalyptic time if you like. If you love the works of H. G. Wells and Jules Verne, or the contemporary authors Philip Pullman, Scott Westerfeld and China Mieville, you are most likely a fan of steampunk.

Vicky, the set designer, designed, painted and shaded the train all by herself. Look at the details of the finished train – she earns a big A* for effort. Models Alina (left) and Daria (right) getting ready for their first shots by hair stylist Nic and make up artist Sammi. Alina and Daria listening to instructions from photographer Ukay. Picking out the good shots from the many that were taken. Ukay adjusting Daria’s feet. Every single detail affects how a photo turns out on the screen – the correct angle of a poised foot, the way the curls of hair on the model falls.

Even when the models are already in position and some shots have been taken, hair and make up has to be constantly adjusted and touched up so that the perfect shot can be achieved. Sometimes, we get that perfect shot on the first click, and sometimes, it can take an hour and many photos later.

What models do when they’re not required for the shot – bundling themselves up for a quick break and making funny faces. And still looking picture-perfect.

The headpieces, hats and props seen in the editorial are handmade and one-of-a-kind. If you’re a fan of steampunk, you will love the little pieces that went into creating the look.

A small umbrella frame, filigree butterflies and springs. That was incorporated into the model’s hairstyle in this shot. The bulbs in this hand bouquet were actually wired so that they would light up at a click of a switch. For the model’s safety, we decided not to let it heat up. But just imagine what it could have been! Monocles, lockets, vintage keys and of course, a pocket watch. Essentials of a steampunk heroine who is about to, well, fly away. A wooden hand model holding a mask. Eerie but extremely effective.

The set up for this shoot took about two days and tearing it all down took less than two hours. It was a shame to see the set go, especially knowing how much time went into the conceptualising and designing, and the putting together of the pink train and backdrop. However, we worked with a great team, and I’m sure I speak for all of us when I say we had real fun shooting this editorial. I hope you loved it as much as we did.

Editor: Michelle Tay
Photography: Ukay Cheung
Assistants: Curtiss Li / Gaffer, Chi Sing / Grip, Max Ho
Stylist: Harry Lam
Set and Prop Design: Vicky Chow
Hair: Nic Leung, Chin.G
Make Up: Sammi, Mod Makeup Academy
Models: Alina R / Starz People, Daria P / Mission Models Management
Gowns: Jawn Happy.Ever.After, LaVie Bridal Couture, The Wedding Present, WhiteLink

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Behind The Scenes – Dreamscapes in Steampunk