“Outer beauty attracts, but inner beauty captivates.” -  (Kate Angell)

I met  Hila Fahima on the night of her first Zerbinetta when she did a stunning performance of the coloratura part in Richard Strauss' "Ariadne on Naxos" on the stage of the Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera)  A talented and beautiful girl!

I could not have wished for a more perfect venue for this photoshoot than the Prince of Whales Suite at the Hotel Bristol. With its regal legacy, it was in the Prince of Wales Suite, that the Prince of Wales lived in for a time with Wallis Simpson - the woman for whom he abdicated the throne. Not only the most beautiful interior but also the view of the Wiener Staatsoper, gave this venue the magical flair that I wanted for the photoshoot. 

Hila chose to wear dresses from Solomia Bridal and Evening wear and it was not difficult to find the designs that suited her perfectly.  A girl who definitely has style and who knows what suits her. I always believe that choosing dresses or outfits for portfolio photoshoots, should in a way, reflect personality as well as showing a variety in styles and daring to try out outfits which you would not normally choose or feel comfortable in.  It’s the perfect opportunity to try it out and you will have the confidence to do it again.

If there is a girl who can wear yellow, it’s Hila.  Gorgeous, elegant and stunning.  With beautiful jewellery from Mazbani Fine Jewellery, makes quite an exquisite picture.  Keeping her hair down with soft curls and very subtle make-up very subtle, suited this design and the whole look.

“Fashion you can buy, but style you possess.”

― Iris Apfel

A fabric that absolutely appeals to me, is gorgeous Tule.  I love the way tule almost romanticises any dress. It’s unpredictable movement and fullness when scrunched up makes it wonderful to create softness and volume. The contrast it brings when uses with any other fabric always gives interesting effects.  Even having the jewellery with the scrunched-up Tule made such a great picture.  Having Hila’s hair done half-up, kept a soft elegance to the look, but gave more prominence to the beautiful lace bodice.

The stunning and beautiful Jewellery by Mazbani Fine Jewellery complimented the dresses perfectly and suited Hila’s style.  Exquisite designs with interesting detail that makes every piece eye-catching and unique.  Like people, jewellery are vessels with its own story, retaining much of the character of its wearer. And how this jewellery is perceived depends on whether or not it is worn well.

“Adornment, what a science! Beauty, what a weapon! Modesty, what elegance!”

― Coco Chanel

This black lace dress made such an impact. The dramatic staircase was a ideal backdrop for some of the photographs and the rest of the interior of the hotel played its part perfectly! The ambiance was captured beautifully by the photographer, Lizelle de Wit.  She played with light and shadow which gives some these images a totally different look.

“Character. Intelligence. Strength. Style. That makes beauty.”

― Diane Von Furstenberg

Romina Mereu does her magic when it comes to styling hair.  Effortlessly transforming Hila in a different look to suit every dress.  Flawless make-up every time and her intention to detail is second to none. 

Thank you to Lizelle de Wit for outstanding photography and wonderful way of capturing the essence of the styling.  Always a joy to work with!

“Elegance is a glowing inner peace. Grace is an ability to give as well as to receive and be thankful. Mystery is a hidden laugh always ready to surface! Glamour only radiates if there is a sublime courage & bravery within: glamour is like the moon; it only shines because the sun is there.”

― C. JoyBell C.

Many thanks to 

Photography: Lizelle de Wit Photography

Make-up and hair: Romina Mereu

Dresses: Solomia Wedding and Evening wear

Jewellery: Mazbani Fine Jewellery

Venue: Hotel Bristol - Prince of Wales Suite