Behind the scenes at a magical photo shoot in Joshua Tree

My latest jewelry collection, Moonage Daydream, developed out of a lot of recovery time I had at home from a yoga injury (yes, seriously!). I would say it's part Tarot Magic, part Studio 54, part Space Odyssey. Once the collection was complete and I was back on my feet, I was looking for the perfect location in the Mojave desert to do a photo shoot in. I found Vintage Desert Homes on airbnb and thought it looked like the one. Located close to Joshua Tree, it was the most perfect little hideaway for us to get creative and be in flow. Tamara, the host, was really gracious and helpful. 

As I drove around the corner, I saw a giant space bunny mural by an amazing graffiti artist called Muckrock on the side of the property. The vibe seemed spot-on for my space-themed jewelry collection. As soon as I stepped inside, I knew the energy was right and that I had found the perfect place. There was a beautiful living room with vintage furniture and old records, and a gorgeous dining area for us to set up our tarot cards, complete with our crystal ball! There was a clown themed room, and alien and David Bowie iconography everywhere. There was even a clawfoot tub outside on the patio under the stars, so dreamy. In the distance outside, there was even a spaceship!

Vintage Desert Homes, Joshua Tree California

My vision for the shoot was vintage 70’s/Studio 54 style aesthetic meets space babes who beamed down to earth for one night of debauchery! I brought some vintage suede coats, satin slip dresses, feather capes, disco pants, funky hats and lots of biodegradable glitter!

My models, Sammi, Sabrina and Segovia are friends and some of my favorite people, so the chemistry was electric and the good times rolled! Natalia Molina, my incredibly talented photographer, has such a unique eye for beauty and she captured the vibe so perfectly. We played dress up under the moon and laughed our faces off. Even some late night yoga poses were busted out! This new collection includes gold and silver alien necklaces, UFO necklaces, lightning bolt earrings, crystal ball necklaces, moon man pendants and rings, and lots of rainbow moonstone, turquoise, amethyst and labradorite gemstones. I layered necklaces, earrings and rings on the models to create a dreamy but edgy look, with a retro futuristic disco feel.

Natalia shot some 8mm footage as well, which got edited into a 2 minute movie. I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out, as it captured the fun and magic of that weekend, and really brought to life what I was trying to create with this jewelry collection. Shout out to my dear friend Nina who was the wardrobe assistant, and my rock for this shoot! Beautiful things happen when women get together and get creative, and just let themselves be free. I can’t wait to go back to this house again!

Moonage Daydream - A Desert Mine Jewelry Collection (Full Version) from Desert Mine on Vimeo.

 

I put together a Moonage Daydream playlist that brings back great memories of making this collection and putting the shoot together, so please go put some gold pants on and get into it!