Short Film: Dear Beloved

I was approached by Beverley Tim (designer) & Michelle Hughes (visionary) to create 25 outfits for a short fashion film they were making called Dear Beloved.

Click on the image below to watch the film on Instagram

When in pursuit of our dreams, we pass through different emotional phases.

We step out in confidence and open ourselves to vulnerability which often allows fear to set in.

But in order to reach our dreams, we must persevere through all of these and in the end we find that our dreams were with us every step of the way, cheering us on to the finish line.

'Dear Beloved' is a letter from our dreams that showcases its acknowledgment of these emotions and presence throughout the journey.

Five capsule collections with one showstopper look in each were inspired by these elements and designed to change the way we see these emotions. This short film combines fashion and movement and insists that you keep fighting for your dreams.

Here is a snippet from the Behind the scenes documentary to explain my involvement.

The garments were designed as part of 5 capsule collections. Each collection encompassing their own inspirations as well as taking guide from the short film's narrative to depict each emotion.

Please note that the garments were custom made to fit the dancers in the film Dear Beloved, not the models below.

Click on an image to see the garments in movement and greater detail in video via my Facebook page.

Dream

Inspired by specific moments in history that changed the trajectory of how nightwear was worn from that moment forward.Feminine silhouettes with lots of movement made from soft Satins, Georgettes and Ostrich Feathers.

Confidence:
This capsule collection is inspired by the shapes of a raw mined garnet crystal.
Strong, eye catching garments made from Glass Beadeds, Satins, Glitter Tulle and Fringe.

Vulnerability:
Each look in the Vulnerability Capsule Collection is represented by a different stage in the life-cycle of a daisy.
Structural corsets with soft floaty Georgette, Chiffons and Duchess Satin.

Fear:
Represented by a mirror which is analogous to facing one’s own reflection and shadows.
Strong, structural garments of gorgeous Glass beads, Sequins, Duchess Satin and Silk Organza.

Perseverance:
Takes its inspiration from stairs, symbolizing always pushing through and leveling up -no matter what season you are in.
Pleats in different textures and opacity, structural yet soft silhouettes in Chiffons and Georgettes.

Designer & collection descriptions: Beverley Tim

Garment creator: Hannah-Rose Smith

Garment creator assistant: Natasha Smith

Production: The Hideout Collective

Photographers: Michelle Hughes & Marko de Beer

Models: Michelle Hughes, Shanle Baron, Gia Harrison, Alice Viskat, Justina Ojam, Prudence Jacobs and Mia Abrahams

Photo by Jesse Jewelzzz

The film was part of the Official Selection to feature at the following International Film Festivals:
UK Film Festival, London Fashion Film Festival, Berlin Fashion Film Festival, Cape Town Squad International Film Festival,

It won Best Sound Design at the Berlin Indie Film Festival and
was nominated for Best Fashion Film at the Cape Town Squad International Film Festival

CREDITS

Directed & Produced by: Michelle Hughes

Executive Producers: Michelle Hughes & Beverley Tim

Director of Photography & Lighting Design: Michael Carter

Assistant Camera: Malusi Maseti

Assistant Director & Production Manager: Izette Blignaut

Garment Designer: Beverley Tim

Designer Assistant: Amy Cavernelius

Garment Creation: Hannah Rose Smith & Natasha Smith

Hair & Make Up Artists: Shine Tesner & Ayanda Sadek

Stills Photography: Jesse Jewelzzz