Something about a Malibu shoot exudes effortless magic, from the golden hour light to the breathtaking landscape views. Alex Melgosa, a talented fashion photographer based in Los Angeles, captured that magic flawlessly in his latest editorial. Statue of a Woman. Known for his collaborations with luxury fashion magazines like Shuba, Picton, and Faddy, he has a unique eye for capturing real, raw beauty, and this shoot was no exception.
Malibu’s golden light
On June 29, 2024, Melgosa and his all-star creative team came together to create a visual story that celebrates the essence of a woman. Against the backdrop of Malibu’s sun-kissed cliffs. The clothes? Provided by & Public Relations Showroom and shoes from Lalo and Mashizan footwear, it was flowing, free silhouettes that let the models—Deasj Manyhke and Jaela Greene, represented by Storm LA—move with grace and ease. There wasn’t a body-hugging dress in sight, which was entirely the point. The shoot was about liberating fashion, with pieces from designers like Ganni, Rejina Pyo, Baruni, and Jason Wu Collective, all providing a perfect blend of modern elegance and laid-back luxury.
Celebrating natural beauty
What sets this shoot apart is how it celebrates the models in their most natural state. The makeup, by Nikole Vega, was minimal—just enough to enhance the models’ features without overshadowing their innate beauty. Hair stylist Marjorie Lightford embraced the models’ natural hair textures. With one rocking beautiful cornrows and the other letting her natural curls flow. Nails by Rhiana Trone (@byrhianatrone) created demure nails that reflected the natural elegance of a woman. It’s always nice to see such an unfiltered take on beauty in fashion. Alex captured it all with a lens that told a story of confidence, strength, and authenticity.
Free-spirited fashion and styling
The styling, meticulously curated by Bridget Dickey. Featured outfits that complemented the models’ free-spirited energy. From the sleek grey Ganni herringbone suit, Jaela wore to the bold Rejina Pyo printed Dylan dress on Deasj. Every piece was a nod to understated elegance. Accessories from Ferezzi added a touch of luxe to the looks, with statement earrings that tied everything together seamlessly.
Final result: Effortless beauty and strength
The Statue of the Woman shoot was a celebration of femininity, individuality, and above all, the freedom to express oneself without the constraints of overly styled fashion or makeup. The photos showcase the beauty of the clothes but also the power of the women wearing them. This editorial, just like the name suggests, is an ode to the beauty of women in their truest, most authentic form.
With a creative director like Katé Smith ensuring every detail was picture-perfect and a team that brought their A-game from start to finish, this Malibu shoot was nothing short of iconic. Keep an eye on Alex Melgosa’s work—because this is just the beginning of many more visual masterpieces
