Lauren Broxton is a Black Country based leatherworker who creates contemporary wears from reclaimed saddle leather. "Her work explores themes of class, sex and gender, often influenced by castigated groups in society".
I was given Laurens contact details from the fashion lecture from Burmingham University who were showing their (including Laurne's) work in the room next to us at GNCCF. I then reached out on Instagram asking if she would want to be a part of any collaborative projects having been told that she has previously worked with metalworkers.
Having spoken to Lauren over Instagram we arranged to have a video call to speak further about a collaboration. I discussed my current project and the aims of the piece. She offered for me to join a photoshoot that she was arranging with her colleagues and a wider team. Two modes, a makeup artist, photographers and videographers, a horse, and her leatherworking interns. This photoshoot was for the 24th of November, giving me a tight early deadline to complete the piece.
We also discussed additional options for collaborations where I could pitch them an idea and begin to form a plan. One of which was to work with Katie who is Lauren's intern and have previously collaborated last year for Katie's final collection. I think there is potential for this in the future but, I wanted to meet them and build a relationship at the photoshoot before pitching any larger ideas.
My Photos from the day
There were other photographers on set who had been paid to direct and capture the main photos. Therefore, I spent most of the day observing and assisting with the behind the scenes elements. However, I did get some opportunities to shoot my work being worn by the model George. When editing my photos I wanted to play into the grunge and raw curation of shoot.
I haven't received the other photos taken that day as of submission they are still being worked on.
Model: @gxorgxx
Leatherwork: @kat_graham_fashion
Leatherwork: @lauren_broxton
Horse trainer: @urban_horse_school
Makeup: @caitlinroberts_mua
Behind the scenes
The team:
Model: @gxorgxx
Model: @t.greenfashionx
Leatherwork: @kat_graham_fashion
Leatherwork: @lauren_broxton
Horse trainer: @urban_horse_school
Makeup: @caitlinroberts_mua
Photographer: @simran_k_01
Photographer and Videographer: @samuelsinger_
Photographer and Videographer: @jack.woodcock1_
Reflection on the day
Overall, I learned lots from the experience. One of the most important take aways was the connections and reputation that I created. I spent most of the day chatting and observing how each of the team members operated and spoke to them about their experiences as a freelance creator. Additionally, this was my first time on a professional photoshoot, so learning the order of operations and how everyone worked together to achieve a shared goal.
As an addition to the photoshoot, I didn't have any say in the creative direction of the shoot. Lauren and her team had curated a cowboy, grunge vibe through the styling, makeup and set. However, there were key themes that ran throughout all our work: the exploration of gender and the body. In this shoot my work was sat more as a fashion decorative piece. Placing the work onto a male model who was directed to show confidence and security in the pieces, I feel took away from the deeply personal narrative of my work. This is an area to consider for future collaborations, ensuring that the end shoot will align with the design intension.
