Gloria’s regal, Pre-Raphaelite, simple and wild hair accessories

What happens on a Gloria shoot? Kristine Crabb speaks about her braid collection in collaboration with Sky Cripps-Jackson.

Nicole Pollard wearing the Frankie Bow Tiara in Ivory

The idea for the collection began when — 

Kristine Crabb: Sky came to me and we started talking about doing silk accessories for the head and hair — Sky being a fabulous hair stylist all over the world and me being silk and colour obsessed. Silk for the hair is so luxe, we settled on these crowns and combs for starters.

Sky Cripps-Jackson: I have always admired Kristine and wanted to work with her for the longest time. I was in store being fitted for a special custom Gloria piece when I pitched the idea of a collaboration, thank goodness she said yes! The process from there was very organic & playful — literally me playing around with pieces of fabric in different ways, which eventually became the collection we have now today.

Isla Quinn wearing the Hiwa Braid in Black

Isla Quinn wearing the Hiwa Braid in Black

How did you choose the creative team for the project? 

KC: I've always wanted to work with photo and film duo Pictvre (Veronica Crockford-Pound and Joseph Griffen) as I've loved all their shoots and I figured they would capture this collection in a fresh and simple way … A mixture of refinement and dreamer style. 

Sky was on hair, naturally, tenderly weaving the silks around each model. She had just done Nicole [Pollard]'s next-level layered red tips and we were so excited to see this photographed with the Lilith collection pieces.

I love doing make up and thankfully Sky trusted me to do it for this shoot. We used Swarovski crystals as beauty spots and eye contour, then exaggerated lips and heavy eyes — my signature! I styled the shoot using current Gloria and Hilda Ereaut pieces, with my lingerie archive. We were graciously given precious Hera Sabi and Monarch jewellery to show, for some refined detail.

Sky and I worked together on casting our amazing models. Our dear Lilith Esme who is namesake of our collection; it was important that we could photograph her for this. Talented Nicole Pollard who we love and adore! And Isla Quinn of Unique. We wanted to show the Lilith collection on a variety of hair types and styles and personalities.

SCJ: Supporting the local creative community has always been super important to both of us. When you understand what people are trying to say with their work (design, photography, modelling etc.) and their respective layers of experience, you automatically have that trust in knowing they will turn up with their unique skills to bring our collective idea to life.

Nicole Pollard wearing the Lilith Knotted Tiara in Maroon

What's the inspiration behind the collection? 

KC: We made them a couple of years ago with the intention they would be fresh yet enduring with a beautiful handmade quality. I thought it would be nice time to release the Frankie Bow for summer and autumn and re-visit the whole Lilith collection … I’ve fallen in love with everything again! 

I just wanted to see cute romantic ribbons, headbands and tiaras in the hair. Kinda regal, kinda Pre-Raphaelite, simple and wild somehow.

SCJ: The collection came at a time (Covid) when everyone was desperately trying to make the best of a challenging circumstance. I wanted to create something with Kristine that transcended that time, accessories that added something beautiful to the mundane and made every day feel special.

The Frankie Bow Tiara is a fun, playful piece that I feel has come out at a time of rebirth for many of us. Our namesake Frankie is such a sweet, feminine little babe, still in her infancy and yet to explore the world. I love the idea of this in part enabling her to be the most of whoever she wants be.

Lilith wearing the Lilith Knotted Tiara in Black

Lilith wearing the Hiwa Braid in Ivory

What happens on shoot day? 

KC: We were well organised and everything was on schedule so we just set up and started on hair and makeup. Veronica and Joe set up the lighting — we wanted full light, glamorous flash to pick up the finer details of the pieces and the beauty and jewellery. The shoot flowed and we were so happy with everything on the day!

SCJ: Having clear briefs ahead of shoot days is key to allow space for creativity. I think when you have the right team around you the whole day moves seamlessly because you can just let people do their thing, which is when the magic really happens.

Isla Quinn wearing the Frankie Bow Tiara in Ivory

Isla Quinn wearing the Hiwa Braid in Black

Nicole Pollard wearing the Lilith Knotted Tiara in Maroon

Lilith Knotted Tiara in Maroon

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