When the O fashion team saw an abundance of safari-inspired clothes for summer on the New York runways, they decided to visit Africa for inspiration.
Driving through the bush, creative director Adam Glassman marvels at the scenery throughout Lion Sands Private Game Reserve, a resort bordering Kruger National Park, where our crew and models stay for three days of work (and play).
"What's incredible is how animals roam acres upon acres of the surrounding bush," Adam says. "And since there's no fence around the grounds, you're basically staying in their domain."
Case in point—this lion rolls around in the grass a few feet from our crew!
Fashion editor Jenny Capitain (backseat) rides into the bush with fashion assistant Kim Warrington and model Latoya Nel Mihaylova (front right).
Photographer Roger Neve shows Latoya what he means when he says, "Make a splash entrance."
Makeup artist Colleen Paioni touches up model Michelle Jansen's brows.
Zimbabwe-born model Latoya feels at home on the grounds of Lions Sands, especially when one of the rangers entertains her.
Latoya reviews some of her shots from the beautiful Island Deck with Roger.
Roger chooses to photograph Michelle in the bush. She "blends" right in, wearing a bold camouflage jacket, hat and shoes with airy linen pants.
Roger roughs it with his team: first assistant Hieu Mai (with umbrella) and second assistant Richard Johnson.
While Michelle strikes a pose against a backdrop of hippos, guards are on hand to thwart any attacks from aggressive wildlife.
On a deck where guests often watch the sunset, Latoya watches Roger photograph Michelle. She wears a handstitched tee that's cocktail-appropriate at the reserve.
Style in the Wild
Dressing for an evening under the stars—literally, in an outdoor "bush bedroom" —Zimbabwe-born model Latoya wears a one-shoulder silk chiffon gown splashed with an ikat-inspired print (Naeem Khan). Shoes, Pollini.
Shot on location in South Africa at Chalkley Treehouse at Lion Sands Private Game Reserve.
Kim and Latoya unwind in the Ivory Lounge, one of the many places to relax at Lion Sands.
Jenny collapses after a long day in the South African bush.
Roger uses his time off to order cocktails and snacks.
Staff from Lion Sands greet the team with smiles before Boma Dinner, an outdoor dinner party with small bonfires, is served.
Guests at Lion Sands determine the mood of their visit based on which of the property's three luxurious buildings they choose to stay in. The O team loved the large communal spaces, fitness center, spa, and two pools at River Lodge.
The secluded Ivory Lodge's six suites are more subdued and romantic.
Nobody stayed at either of the ground's two treehouses. Originally built as photography platforms but now sporting king-size, mosquito-net-covered beds, these are a 15-minute drive from the rest of the resort and the ultimate getaway from the rest of the world.
