Marie Antoinette Editorial — A High-Fashion Ode to Opulence
Are you ready for this Marie Antoinette Editorial? Let’s be honest – when a trend starts whispering, I’m already reaching for the megaphone. The minute I saw corsets creeping back into the fashion world and whispers of panniers floating through bridalwear, I knew exactly where we were heading – straight to Versailles. This shoot was about reimagining Marie Antoinette for the modern bride. Edgy, directional, unapologetically extra.
I’d been sitting on this concept for a while, and with the upcoming Marie Antoinette exhibition at the V&A in September – sponsored by Manolo Blahnik no less – the timing felt right. Her legacy as a fashion disruptor feels more relevant than ever. Marie was the original it-girl, trend-setter, and rule breaker. We channelled all of that spirit, but gave it a contemporary edge with beautiful bridal gowns from Wilden London.
The Finer Details
MODERN MARIE ANTOINETTE | EDITORIAL
THE CREATIVE PROCESS
This shoot was about telling a story, not just capturing pretty pictures. We began with beauty portraits, letting the hair and makeup team set the tone. Tiel from Big Hair Energy went full sculptural with a modern take on the iconic pouf. Think less powdered wig, more editorial architecture. The height, the texture, the movement — it was art.
Makeup by Beth Leahy was equally refined. We went for clean, pale skin, flushed cheeks and beestung lips — that signature look, but softened and stylised for now. Tiny pearl accents at the corners of the eyes nodded to Marie’s love of detail without veering into caricature.
And then came the layers. Our model Fress’oul, who also happens to be a dancer, brought incredible energy to this editorial. We began in lingerie-inspired separates and built up to full bridal looks — one textured and romantic, the other more theatrical.
Fashion Forecasting: What Brides Will Be Borrowing From Versailles
Let’s talk fashion. Corsets are clearly having their moment, not just as shaping garments, but as bold, statement silhouettes. Bridal designers are rethinking structure in fresh ways, and we’re seeing panniers (those wide hip structures) subtly reworked into voluminous skirts and side panels. This is theatricality with taste.
Marie Antoinette’s influence is going to reach beyond the dress — jewellery is next. Expect layered pearls, ornate chokers, and cameos to resurface. Shoes in velvet and brocade. Fabrics that whisper luxury. Hair that lifts the crown (quite literally). If you’re a bride with a flair for drama, this is your year.
Modernising the Mood
The biggest challenge was keeping it modern. I didn’t want this to feel like a cosplay. The white studio gave us space to play with shapes so movement was key — especially with the bridal gowns.
I also produced a fashion film that brought it all together — the beauty, the transformation, the character work. For me, this wasn’t just a shoot, it was a showcase of what bridal can be when you lean into regal without losing your edge.
