It is drilled into us that London is the place to be for fashion, glamour, and success. But why can’t we find glamour and allure within rural areas? Finding beauty within the deserted, conceptual photographer Hannah Sommer collaborates with sustainable fashion designer Gloria Jane Royer on a new project: ‘The Desolate Allure’. Finding a common ground between their upbringings within rural villages, Marshside, UK, and Asheville, North Carolina, along with their strong connection to nature, the pair since moving to London have craved the beauty that lies within their natural rural surroundings, fleeing back to their roots. These images capture Gloria’s garments in the desolate allure of their native environment. Making wearable beauty from disregarded sailing gear, donated from sailing clubs local to her hometown, her pieces encapsulate a history like no other. Inspired by her upbringing, Gloria transpires her knowledge of throw-away culture within sports channeling it into giving these materials a new life in fashion. Feeling as though sportswear is so typically recycled into streetwear, Gloria strives to re-work these intricate materials into highly feminine silhouettes, celebrating femininity in a gender-blurred world. Carving a space where sustainability and sportswear meet hyper-femme couture. In this series, Hannah captures the environmentally destructive human form, camouflaged with recycled couture amongst the stillness and serenity of the historic 350 miles of white cliffs and sandy beaches that is Kent’s coast. Demonstrating the planet's yearning for serenity between humankind and the earth beneath our feet whilst challenging the notion that nature and rural living lacks glamour.
Garments/Styling: Gloria Jane Royer
Assistant: Izzy Barter
Model: Jasmine Donnelly