There’s something magical about Chanel Ready-to-Wear. The experience always follows the same rhythm: on the runway, I’m head over heels. On the hanger, I hesitate. Can I really pull that off? But then, the moment I slip it on, everything changes. It’s as though the piece was made for me. I know, I know—it sounds dramatic, but it’s the truth. The fit is impeccable every time, and I’ve yet to find myself disappointed by the fabrics, colors, or patterns.
Of course, not every single piece from every collection is exactly my taste. I’m not someone who worships a label for the label’s sake. What keeps me coming back is the quality—how timeless pieces can slip so seamlessly into daily life. Even the most classic or “vintage” Chanel look suddenly feels modern when paired with a great pair of jeans. And really, what more could you ask for?
So here I am, tucked into a little floral stall in my neighborhood, remembering the day we shot these Chanel Ready-to-Wear Fall/Winter 2017–18 Pre-Collection images. Quite a bit has changed since then. For one, my dear friend and talented photographer Marinke left New York and returned to Amsterdam. I can’t tell you how much I miss her eye, her creativity, her way of seeing fashion through her lens.
I’ve been lucky in this city—surrounded by incredible photographers who help me bring my vision to life. Jeff, with his unmatched street style instincts. Marinke, who could turn a simple outfit into something editorial. Sabrina, who notices the subtleties of light and detail others might miss. Each one has shaped the way I tell my story, not just through clothes, but through images that live far beyond the moment they’re taken.
But it wasn’t always this way. Believe me, when I started out, I had no “dream team” around me. I had Thomas—my boyfriend at the time—who had never in his life taken a fashion photo. Yet there he was, patiently pointing a camera at me while I posed in the middle of the street, hoping the outfit would somehow shine. And you know what? He was pretty good! Considering he had no background in photography, he gave it his best, and for those early years, it worked.
Still, I realized after a while that if I wanted to grow creatively—and, let’s be honest, save our relationship—I needed to find someone whose passion actually was photography. That led me to Daniel from The Urban Spotter in London, my first official “street style photographer.” He opened my eyes to the difference it makes when someone understands both fashion and photography.
From there, the journey took me to New York (the first time), where I met and worked with Simbarashe Cha, and eventually Jeff—who quickly became my go-to partner. Even when I briefly moved to Toronto, Jeff would fly in to help me create a bulk of content so I could breathe a little between shoots. That’s dedication.
Toronto brought another serendipitous meeting: Dan Kim. He had posted a candid from fashion week, and I instantly recognized his talent. Before long, we were working together too. And honestly? The rest is history.
Looking back, I realize just how lucky I’ve been. These photographers didn’t just “take pictures.” They captured visions, moods, moments I couldn’t have created on my own. Fashion is never just about the clothes—it’s about the story you tell, and telling that story requires people who can see it through their lens, often before you even realize what you want. That collaboration, that trust, is priceless.
Which brings me back to Chanel. Because part of why their pieces resonate so deeply with me is the same reason these photographers do: it’s about translation. Chanel takes something classic, sometimes even intimidating on the runway, and makes it feel personal, wearable, mine. My photographers do the same—taking my vision and translating it into something I can share with the world.
So, in the spirit of the holiday season, I want to say thank you. Thank you to every creative who has stood behind the camera and helped me capture not just an outfit, but a feeling. Thank you to those who understood that fashion is about more than clothes—it’s about light, movement, and the small details that linger in memory. And thank you, too, to all of you who continue to ask questions about photography, outfits, collaborations, and all the behind-the-scenes work that goes into these images.
Fashion is so often seen as surface-level, but it’s built on relationships, creativity, and trust. Without the people around me, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do. So here’s to Chanel, to the perfect fit of a ready-to-wear piece, and to the talented eyes behind the lens who make it all come alive.
