I recently had the exhilarating opportunity to work with the art director of KAANDA, a Thailand-based bikini and resort wear brand, on their 2025 collection shoot. KAANDA, known for its vibrant presence across Southeast Asia and Europe, required a look that would appeal to both markets. With a stunning mixed-race (Thai-French) model and the picturesque Intercontinental Phuket as our backdrop, we were set for a day filled with creativity and hard work.
Our team gathered early at the resort, buzzing with excitement as we reviewed the list of items to be shot and their order. We kicked off with a selection of cheetah print pieces, quickly moving on to pastel bikinis. The weather was characteristically tropical—sunny, hot, and humid, remnants of the monsoon season hanging in the air. A brief rain shower around noon provided a perfect excuse for a delicious lunch break at the Intercontinental’s beach restaurant.
Refreshed and recharged, we resumed shooting, capturing a variety of stunning pieces including a fiery red bikini paired with a matching sarong, a classic white swimming costume, and a chic black kimono adorned with floral patterns. As the sun dipped towards the horizon, signaling the end of our day, we wrapped up the session and dove into the task of selecting the perfect shots for the 2025 catalog.
The entire process was a blend of hard work, teamwork, and creativity, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the results. The feedback loop between the team and myself was incredibly enriching, and I can’t wait to see the fruits of our labor splashed across catalogs, magazines, posters, and billboards. Stay tuned for Kaanda’s 2025 collection—it’s going to be spectacular!
