Mwai’s vision for this project was rooted in highlighting the individuality and inner strength of women, celebrating their beauty in all its diverse forms. Each pair of bridal shoes was named and designed with a distinct personality, inspired by remarkable women from Mwai’s life. 

To achieve this, I took an artisan approach, employing a variety of handcrafted techniques tailored to the specific style and essence of each shoe. In the stationery for the ‘Sarah’ shoes, I used layering techniques with textured paper, creating a sense of depth and dimension that echoed the elegance and intricacy of the footwear. The paper’s subtle yet rich textures added a tactile quality to the menus, ensuring that the stationery felt as luxurious as the shoes themselves.

In another suite, for the ‘Sophie’ shoes stationery, I incorporated dried florals into the design to bring a touch of nature and vintage romance. This technique added an organic, delicate feel, evoking a sense of nostalgia and timeless beauty.  

For other the ‘Claire’ shoe stationery I embraced mixed media techniques. I blended vellum, metallic paint accents and neutral paint textures to create a harmonious balance between modernity and tradition. To finish this suite I hand-illustrated vellum overlays and sheer vellum envelopes in white ink to add a beautiful touch of luxury. These illustrations were a nod to both the natural beauty of the venue and the individuality of the shoes, further emphasizing the connection between nature, fashion, and art.

To complete the designs, I incorporated wax seals and vintage botanical stamps, each carefully chosen to enhance the unique personality of the stationery suite. The wax seals were intentionally hand-stamped with a slightly uneven finish, giving them an antique, old-world charm, while the botanical stamps added a layer of historical elegance, evoking the grandeur of Hedsor House. These details, along with the soft, luxurious materials used throughout the stationery, brought a sense of timelessness and refinement to each suite.

The location for the shoot, Hedsor House, provided the perfect setting for this project. Tucked away in the peaceful countryside, just outside the bustle of London, the historic mansion offered a stunning contrast between opulence and nature. Models, dressed in Naomi Neoh and Morgan Davies Bridal gowns, complemented the overall aesthetic, with each bridal look designed to harmonize with the beauty and personality of the shoes and stationery.

Through my designs, I aimed to create stationery that not only celebrated the individuality of each pair of bridal shoes but also reflected the women they were inspired by—strong, elegant, and timeless. Every handcrafted element, from the hand-illustrated designs to the layered textures and botanical details, was thoughtfully chosen to enhance the overall narrative of the shoot, bringing together fashion, art, and craftsmanship in a way that felt both modern and deeply rooted in tradition.