Hans Feurer frames a shot
The secluded Caribbean paradise of Grand Cayman was a natural fit for DuJour‘s most colorful summer fashion story, given that the island’s rainbow-hued, colonial-style architecture is so vibrant it can be seen from the plane. Located only a quick four-hour flight from New York City, Grand Cayman—the largest of the three Cayman Islands—contains many spectacular areas that our 10-person crew spent time discovering and exploring. Like the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, a 65-acre sanctuary of rare wildlife, vibrant flowers and hidden trails. And the island’s North Side, where the beach at Rum Point is simultaneously tranquil (hammocks, lounge chairs, tropical libations) and bustling with activity (surfing, Jet Skiing, snorkeling).
Makeup artist Vicky Steckel works with model Jacquelyn Jablonski
But before all the fun could be had, our group first rose before dawn to assemble on the coral sands of the Seven Mile Beach in front of the Ritz-Carlton, where fashion photographer Hans Feurer went to work. With the sun rising behind her, model Jacquelyn Jablonski paraded across the beach in Proenza Schouler, Etro and Dries Van Noten. A setup by the hotel’s majestic pool drew stares from intrigued vacationers, with the main attraction being our model in Chanel, gliding through the water with the elegance of a synchronized swimmer. After the final shot, Jablonski toweled off, her hair black as an oil slick. An excited little girl ran up to her. “Are you a model?” she wanted to know.
After four sunny days, six different locations, eight lunches and dinners of conch fritters and just-caught grouper and one memorable photo shoot, our crew gathered at Cayman Cabana, a tiki-style waterfront restaurant known for its seafood. Live reggae music provided an upbeat soundtrack, and the group ended the trip in proper tropical style: by toasting each other with piña coladas as the sun set on the Caribbean.
The crew celebrating post-shoot, with, from left, DuJour co-editor in chief Keith Pollock, DuJour photo editor Etta Meyer, hair stylist Ward Stegerhoek, Feurer, Jablonski, stylist David Vandewal, Steckel, fashion assistant Daniel Edley and photo assistant Karin Gfeller
