Inspired by the writings of female poets, the “Poetry of Love” editorial explores the depth and complexities of love. Just like a great poem does, this pictorial will stir emotion and leave you pondering about love. Set in the poetic Lake Como, a summer retreat destination for writers throughout the ages, it is equally a visual pleasure and a poignant story about love.

Behind this masterpiece editorial are some of the best creatives in the industry. A master at her/his craft, each person adds her/his unique interpretation of the theme Poetry of Love to create a nuanced story. The result is a magnificent synergy on the never ending quest for beauty that none could have achieved on her own.

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From Storied Shoes Designers Bella Belle: “Making beautiful and comfortable shoes is our passion. This time, we wrap them in the art of poetry. Inspired by beautiful love poems, each shoe is endearingly named after a famous female poet. The collection is a nuanced fusion of poetic elements and Bella Belle aesthetics. It is our interpretation of poetry in shoe form: the fluidity found in the embroidery, the airiness in a floating tulle bow, and the rhyme of exquisite beadwork.”

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From Painterly Light Photographer Laura Gordon: “Lake Como painted a magical scene and perfectly set the tone for the Poetry of Love editorial. My translation of this year’s theme was very much inspired by the rich textures seen throughout the area paired with the quiet presence of femininity and romance.

I chose to focus on physical form and expression using light to paint the images evoking a tone and mood for the final collection. Captivating eye contact, soft gestures, and a bold backdrop create a look that feels vulnerable yet dynamic. The journey through these photographs is much like a love story… encompassing the range of emotions one might feel as if they were part of the story themselves.”

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From Creative Mastermind Joy Proctor: “To visually translate the theme, I chose not to tell it in literal sense but proposed that we make our model a living depiction of the poet’s muse. I envision that she both wears and inspires the poetry. I commissioned a poem written on her body as intricately as the bodice of a wedding gown.

The second way in which I interpreted the "Poetry of Love" theme was to envision the model as the poet’s muse. I imagined her as a goddess; a woman of strength and elegance, sophistication and wisdom. To tell the story of the poet’s muse, I asked Shasta Bell Calligraphy to write a poem onto a silk ribbon in calligraphy. My hope was to visually show the effect of love. In this image, our muse is blinded by love; spellbound by the beauty of the poet’s words. She wraps herself in the sentiments the poet has written for her.”