RUBY Blue 2021 x Claudia Kogachi 23.09.21

Aligning with the energy that RUBY Blue exemplifies, we’ve collaborated with talented local creatives throughout its evolution. Modelled by Tāmaki Makaurau based contemporary artist Claudia Kogachi, whose artwork appears in the background of the lookbook, was shot in Level 4 lockdown by friend Hannah Davis-Gray in their home studio. With blue featuring at the centre of much of Claudia’s work, a natural connection was formed and it felt fortuitous that she would be a part of this project.

C & H : "The RUBY shoot was a super fun project to keep us busy for a few days during level 4. We live and work from home and these photos were taken in our shared studio. It was really nice weather on the days of the shoot so it felt great to get up early, open our big French doors and play around with poses and backdrops in the sun. We enjoyed using our studio in a new and exciting way."

C & H : "This type of shoot was a first for the both of us so it was nice to be working with one another as we are so comfortable together. We had lots of laughs and got to play around without feeling too self-conscious or taking ourselves too seriously."

C & H : "RUBY had always planned to shoot Claudia in our studio but the move to level 4 meant they couldn’t send a photographer in. Luckily Hannah has some photography experience from Elam and through photographing her own brand Dangerous Goods Jewellery, so RUBY brought her in on the project. Shooting from home was really easy for us!"

C & H: "We know each other pretty well already but as an Android stan, Hannah learnt a fair amount about how to use an iPhone as the collection was shot entirely on Claudia’s phone."

C: "Modelling 20 looks meant I had to get creative with the ways I posed my body. I kept thinking about the ways I’ve painted people in the past, and how I might paint them in the future. How they could be contorted into unique poses, caught mid-action, or represented from different angles."

C: "Blue has been a colour I am fascinated by for its ability to grapple emotion and its range of warmth and sensation. For the past 5 years of my practice I’ve been painting myself and my family blue."

C: "My favourite piece from the collection is the Mirella T-Shirt Dress. I love it for its comfort and as flattering everyday wear perfect for summer."