The Meadow: A Hamptons Story
This is the first in a series of four locations and styles shot with film (Contax 645) in the Hamptons on August 20th, 2014. We begin with The Meadow, situated on the property where we lived for the month of August. The owner of this outrageously gorgeous property was going to build a large house on this land, but in the meantime decided to plant some wildflowers, quickly he realized that it was so special that he had to keep it as a meadow and started a honey bee farm. One of the most spectacular ideas I've ever seen.
In this age of Insta-fluence we meet people and immediately have the opportunity to see all that they have done, everything they like, along with some of their most personal thoughts. A cyber mural of what your life looks like to you or how you want it to look—the power to create your own lifescape through a curated collection of snapshots.
This shoot was inspired by an Instagram that @Karol_Marie posted before we met, it caught my eye because of its innocent, playful, flower-child vibe— it just made me want to be in that moment with her: Denim crop top, curly wild blonde locks, body chain, book pillow and blanket. A typical moment while relaxing and enjoying the outdoors in Central Park. Casual and effortless. Perfectly titled, "The Simple Things.
"This young lady lives every moment with style and confidence, something that comes naturally. In the past six months that I've gotten to know Karol-Marie I've been witness to a collection of denim that would bring Rihanna to her knees: Overalls, jackets, jeans and Levi's boy shorts galore. After all she did design her own prom dress made entirely out of denim! Her perfectly worn in blue threads complimented by bangles, antique rings, chokers, bandanas, fringe, leather, felt hats, booties, wedges, American flag bathing suits, plaid shirts, splashes of pink and an assortment of nighttime LBD's. The thing that I admire about her style is that regardless of what she is wearing Karol-Marie exudes a natural playfulness, comfortable sass and fantasy that is enviable. Not to mention a personality—a sweet and sunny disposition that redefines your stereotypical professional model. The female unicorn, as we like to call her. Does she exist or are we just dreaming?
Karol-Marie has a style all her own, reflecting her Kentucky roots. Yet this carefree, wild at heart young lady had anything other than an ordinary upbringing—discovered at age 15 and swept away to Europe to live and work in Barcelona, Spain. With all the traveling, working since her early teens and living in different places I love that her person (and sweet southern charm) is unwavering, always reflecting her roots. Diana Vreeland would have described KM as having a strong sense of soil. Jeans and bourbon. Pink nails and ice cream cones. Unapologetic and original—One-of-a-kind. Many have tried to replicate it, but when it is authentic you just know, and that is Karol-Marie. Affirming yet again— it is the special person you are and the life you lead that makes what we call style.
Wild and untamed in it's unpretentious beauty the meadow soothes the soul and evokes the kind of comfort only a mother can provide.
I took my first sip of bourbon on KM's watch, and like the meadow you can gaze at its timeless beauty and precious expressions, hear the mesmerizing buzz of the busy bees and endearing laughter and taste its sweet honey...or bourbon ;)
Throughout the photos are snippets of words I wrote while sitting in the meadow day after day...
The botanists playground, philosophers inspiration, bees nourishment, rebels kingdom, wanderers treasure, adventurers answer and the vagabonds home. What better place to clear the mind for new thoughts?
It is impossible to know how much you want a meadow in your life until you have one all your own.
One must not deny— with all the beauty and whimsy, there comes some sadness in the meadow as well—drawing on the human emotion, you feel a sense of melancholia as you look to the earth and notice the plants that must be self harvested to make way for fresh life.
A morbid and romantic realization.
The flora and fauna of the meadow
I watch all the different types of bees and the particular flowers they are attracted to and how they move about each one differently. As if performing a ritualistic dance. On the white flowers they run briskly over the tiny petals back and forth. On the purple flower they move more slowly in a circular pattern adapting their motion to the unique pollens, as each collects differently on their hind legs.
To cast the eternal seeds, hope, faith and love up in the air and not know exactly where the wind will carry them.
To hold these seeds and not scatter them—one of life's greatest misfortunes.
Photos by Judy Pak Photography
Makeup by PopBeauty founder Sara Strand
Styled by Samantha Angelo
Bookworm = Mister Andrew Hood
Karol-Marie was wearing: Her own Denim Crop Top and Shorts
Her own White of the Shoulder Eyelet Top and Jean Shorts
White Eyelet Wrap Dress by Zimmermann.
I was wearing: Yellow crisscross shoulder crop top and floral button down crop top by In God We Trust
Vintage high waisted striped shorts from Shareen Vintage NYC
Vintage Levi's Overall Skirt and Sea Foam Green Button Down Halter Dress from What Goes Around Comes Around
Unisex MacAlister Boots by J. Crew
Round Shades by Miu Miu.
