Webster

No it's not the dictionary (though, that was the first thing that came to my mind when I was told I was shooting a Webster event back in May this year). Stephen Webster is a British designer of fine jewelry. But his jewelries are different from the normal jewelries you see. They have very unique designs. I call it 'rocker' design, 'coz they rock! No, really! It's like those jewelries only rock stars wear. Just have a look at his website and you'll know what I mean. 

Anyway, I just want to share Stephen Webster's 2 jewelry collections launching events. One was held last May and the other just recently. Both were held at Empire (bar & restaurant) inside Monarch Dubai.

In both events, the ambiance was dark. Literally, the place was dark. There were mood lightings here and there and lights inside the jewelry showcases... but that's about it.

The event last May was a sit-down dinner.

The jewelry showcase with a Cristina Aguilera poster...

This time, it was more of a party like event. Here's the place before guests started to arrive...

The jewelry showcase...

Here's Stephen trying out to be a DJ...

Some of the awesome jewelry...

From what I've heard, the jewelry collection at the last event were made more affordable to target the middle class. So if you're up to a distinctive set of jewelry, I suggest you go check out Stephen Webster's collections at Azal Boutique (The Boulevard at Emirates Towers), Bloomingdales (Dubai Mall) and Harvey Nichols (Mall of the Emirates).

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Kar-t-yay

Well, that's how you're suppose to pronounce Cartier.

I had a long drive the other day to Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi for a Cartier fashion show. And when you're driving alone for almost 2 hours, that is really long. I kept myself awake listening to Kanye West... let's have a toast for the d_____bags, let's have a toast for the a__holes, let's have a toast for the s___bags, everyone of them that I know.... =)

I got there, had a brief, then started shooting. 

First, some shots of the jewelries...

Then the display booth...

The cool and unique catwalk...

And then I was kicked out! Apparently the first part of the event were for ladies only... which my contact forgot to mention. 

Anyway, I ended up shooting backstage. When I got there, all the models were already dressed up, hanging out, having last minute touch-ups before they hit the stage.

I stayed there until the start of the second show. So here are some more images at the backstage after the end of the first show.

Models relaxing and passing out time...

Some of them needed some retouching and so as their gowns.

And then, the show... It wasn't the usual fashion show where you have a  continuous light  on the catwalk. The lights were constantly changing every second. Flash photography is a  no-no,  so I have to adjust my exposure every now and then.

I've seen a lot of fashion shows but this one is at the top of my list. Kudos to JBM Studio for the very unique fashion show experience. They had awesome lighting effects (which was quite a challenge for me), a unique catwalk and the music... well, I felt like I was in outer space! 

What would you expect? Of course they'll have a glamorous  fashion show in a 7 star hotel! They're selling jewelries with a price tag that can buy you a two-story house and lot back in my country. =)

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Behind the scenes

As a photographer I cover a lot of events. Ranging from parties, concerts, product launching, store opening to fashion shows. This time instead of shooting just the models at the fashion show, I was given the task to document what goes on behind the scenes.

It's all about details...  So first in the list was to shoot shoes, clothes, accessories, etc.

Next, is the scene inside the hair and make-up room. 

The make-up artists having last minute briefing before models start to arrive.

During the rehearsal... the director giving instructions to models.

Sound check at the DJ booth.  That lady can sing! Too bad I didn't get her name. 

The DJ mixing up the beat.

I finished the first part of the shoot at around 2pm. I went home, got some rest then returned again in the evening to shoot the second part, the fashion show itself.

The catwalk.

Some non-alcoholic drinks for the guests. ;-)

And then, it's showtime.

Photographers and camera men...

Again, it's all about details...

It was a long and tiring day. But then again, I love my job. So, no complaints here. =)

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