Industrial Elegance – Kahlia Gepps

This collection is a striking balance of contrasts—delicate, feminine fabrics such as organza and lace interwoven with bold, warrior-like elements. Leather, sequins, and rose gold metallic accents, including fastenings and eye hooks, create a powerful aesthetic that embodies strength and elegance in equal measure.

Creative Direction & Mood

Kahlia sought to capture the essence of the feminine warrior—a woman who embraces both softness and strength. To bring this vision to life, we contrasted flowing, romantic textiles with an industrial backdrop, allowing the juxtaposition of hard and soft elements to tell a compelling visual story. She was drawn to raw, industrial spaces, where cement, steel, and strong architectural lines could serve as the perfect counterpoint to the intricacy of her designs.

Location

After careful scouting, I selected an abandoned silo station as our setting. Its towering structures provided not only an imposing, industrial atmosphere but also a dynamic variety of shooting angles. The scale of the silos allowed for expansive compositions, enhancing the sense of grandeur. One of my favourite images from the shoot features our model, Marion, perched on a gantry, dwarfed by the looming silos behind her—a perfect representation of resilience and beauty within a powerful, structured environment.

Aesthetic & Styling

To embody the warrior spirit at the heart of this collection, I chose a striking dark-skinned model from Sierra Leone. Her presence exuded both strength and elegance, and her stunning, sculpted figure brought the garments to life in a way that no one else could.

To further enhance the warrior aesthetic, we opted for intricate braids, reinforcing a sense of power and regality. Gold makeup was carefully applied along her neck and eyebrows, mirroring the shimmer of the metallic elements within the collection. Statement heels and rose gold jewellery added the final touch—reintroducing femininity while maintaining the balance of strength and sophistication.

The Final Collection

The resulting imagery is a masterful contrast of beauty and raw industrial grit. The weathered textures of the silos amplify the elegance of the gowns, while the model’s poise and presence elevate the concept of Industrial Elegance to something truly unforgettable. The collection stands as a testament to the duality of the modern woman—both fierce and feminine, powerful yet graceful.