Kala Waya Collections’ Ebony Luxe styled shoot special
OOOF! A sumptuous treat for us all on the blog today from the very special Kala Waya Collections.
We first worked with Kala Waya Collections at the London 22 show, when founder Niki took a punt on us and showcased her pieces on the catwalk, expertly styled by Laurel Hunter. Niki came along and was nothing but pure passion and fire for her pieces, the models who were to wear them and the creative space she carved out with the team in putting her looks together as a whole. We’ll be handing the floor over to Niki today to tell you about this inspirational shoot she engineered last year year. A special shout out to Akilah of Events With Akilah and Co who coordinated it with her and was Niki’s sounding board on bringing the concept to life throughout. We are very honoured to show this shoot, but just before we jump in! A little bit of background, Kala Waya Collections is a range of beautiful hair adornment pieces, designed, with love and skill, intentionally for natural kinks, coils and locs in mind.
Niki’s special focus is on bespoke projects for brides and to-be-weds or anyone looking for accessories for an extra special day, event, celebration or feeling (alongside the existing KW Collections range). She is a true champion for individual style, so bespoke project comes naturally to her and the whole ethos of KW Collections itself is to put forward a contemporary, modern and luxe, take on hair adornment and body jewellery. The look references a fusion of Caribbean, Africa, Egyptian and Asian aesthetics associated with regality and we’re here for it. Rose gold, gold and coppery tones are key to the KW look and with traditional techniques of wirework and beading meeting a contemporary look. We are big fans and are excited for the new collection (which we’ll be featuring as part of the PACT showcase as well woo hoo!) and for what 2023 holds for this brand!
Over to you Niki on your story of this glorious shoot, shot by David C Photography and assisted by Serena David C Photography.
This is the Kala Waya Collections Luxury Bridal Styled Shoot – this is the brief that went out to the amazing supplier team.
“An Ebony Luxe scene is a love letter to celebrate Black Brides and encourage more visibility of these Queens in the luxury wedding space. Seeking to create a positive and much needed cultural disruption to the mainstream beauty standard diversifying the inspirational images seen on social media feeds and in magazines. The question is ‘who defines who and what is luxury? ‘
A bridal editorial concept breathed to life through evocative visual storytelling showcasing models with Afrocentric bridal hairstyles adorned in pearls, rose golds and gold accessories, dressed in beautiful bridal wear surrounded by a luxe environment filled with exquisite styling details.”
Beautiful bridal and wedding robes by Sherah.
Cool and statement wedding wear - short dress by Crazy in Love Bridal Boutique and long lace dress by Ornate Bridal, custom made for the shoot
It’s been an amazing sense of achievement to see this KW Collections’ Ebony Luxe styled shoot move from concept to reality. The idea for this styled shoot started right in the midst of the pandemic and had to be delayed until 2022.
Ebony Luxe encapsulates my strongest values as a person and a designer. It gave me a platform to include elements such as black hair positivity, embracing Anti-Bride vibes , art, poetry, music fusions and luxury details. I’ve always loved the power of storytelling through beautiful imagery.
Another stunning custom made piece from Ornate Bridal . ‘A cool Bantu knot style by Braids Central,’ describes Niki, ‘We love this bold hairstyle and dare anyone to say it’s not bridal.’
Bespoke hairvine and earrings by Niki at Kala Waya Collections with dreamy hair by @bridesbyaina.m and gorgeous make up by @makeupologybrides
No one person is an island. This styled shoot would not have been possible without the diverse group of creatives and wedding vendors who were invested in the style shoot message and gave selflessly of their time.
Model Brides: @tanyaweekes @aishakarinah @eve.lyn.kaye
Brides Makeup: @makeupologybrides
Bridal Hair Stylist: @bridesbyaina.m
Braiding Hairstylist: @_braidscentral_
Nail Artist: @beccisbrushes
Bridal Robes: @sherah_online
Custom Bridal Designer @ornatebridal
Bridal Wear Studio: @crazyinlovebridal
Grazing Boards: @ladunnegrazingandcheese
Favor Boxes: @forteafiedtea
Wedding Stationery, and Engraved Perfume Bottles: @dunwellcalligraphy
Engraved Candles & Teacup set: @fromp.toyou
Botanical Tea: @daughtersofbotany
Luxury Cookies: @shanbakeryldn
Social media and VA: @the_kfidencegroup
I would like to say a special Thank You to them all. Do check them out for your wedding planning and other projects.
SUPPLIERS LIST
Shoot Concept, Planner: @kala_waya_collections_luxe
Bridal Hair Adornments + Earrings: @kala_waya_collections_luxe
Shoot Coordinator: @eventswithakilah
Photographer: @davidcphotography
Photography Assistant: @serena_davidcphotography
Videography Team: @nayohmenotniomi, @nikita_i.m
Editorial film music research and selection: @kala_waya_collections_luxe, @nayohmenotniomi, @nikita_i.m
Townhouse Venue: @eyothouse
On the Day Assistant: @callmemonicak
Styling and Decor: @beautifulthingsevents
Florist: @clee_love_events
Luxury Cake: @lilmoon_bakery
Perfect details like Love is in the Hair candles by From P To You and afro-luxe artwork by watercolour and digital artist Nubian Rock Chick and engraved perfume bottles by Dunwell Calligraphy
Luxury cookies by Shan Bakery with intricate themed artwork
What else will these year hold for Kala Waya Collections?
It’s all about showing aspects of the brand and myself as a designer that I have been overthinking way too long. Creative ideas that have been stored away. This will help to expand our Bespoke work which is the number 1 service we provide for our soon to be Brides who want to make a unique bridal fashion statement.
Kala Waya Collections is starting off February with a new limited-edition hair accessories collection. It’s cute, its floral and its textured. Aiming to release several curated accessory drops throughout the year.
Building deeper connections and collaborations with wedding vendors will continue. I’m really keen to make content with locticians and bridal hairstylists specialising in natural hair.
I also want to incorporate Giving Back into our Brand values by supporting a few charities that are involved in cancer research and women’s health.
Honoured to be joining the Most Curious Wedding Fair family for a second year showcasing in PACT.
Last but not least, I’ve have been working on a secret project for months to introduce a new service to Kala Waya Collections’ brand offerings. I am bursting to tell all but will have to hold this hush hush a while longer.
Styling and decor by Beautiful Things Events (above and below)
Gorgeous adorned cake by Lil Moon Bakery
Florals by the great Clee Love Events used to show off the gorgeous Kala Waya Collection pieces.
A sheer sexy number from Crazy in Love Bridal
Another sumptuous piece by Crazy in Love Bridal
Incredible nail art by Becci Brushes
What an incredible concept, execution and resulting imagery. So many incredible suppliers bringing it. So many details to pour over and the vibe is luxe through and through, while leaving room for personality and creativity to shine - which is how we would definitely describe the Kala Waya Collections as a brand.
And we leave you with that beautiful love letter Niki personally wrote to all Black Brides and To-Be-Weds. You can also hear this read over the fab video, performed by voiceover artist and model @aishakarinah Video is by @nayohmenotniomi, @nikita_i.m
Self Penned: Niki – Bespoke Accessories Designer
Calligrapher credit: @dunwellcalligraphy
A Love Letter …
Dearest Future Bride
I hope you always remember how wildly beautiful you are. You are feminine, and redefining beauty. You are luxury and grace. With your kinks, coils and curls, smelling of roses and coconut. Braided, twisted and draped in pearls and gold. When you arrive, they will inhale in awe. They will see you for the Queen you are.
May you on your special day be showered in luxury. You are loved. You inspire. May you have memories of all the things you did your way from your hair to your dress to colours that make your heart sing.
You are a Queen, you deserve the Best.
Love always
KW