Poetry of Love - an Italian bridal editorial featuring the latest collection of wedding shoes from Bella Belle Shoes

It really doesn't get much more exquisite than this stunning luxurious, fashion forward shoot by LAURA GORDON PHOTOGRAPHY for the latest collection from bridal shoe designer BELLA BELLE SHOES. Perfectly styled by one of the best, JOY PROCTOR, it was inspired by the writings of female poets. This “Poetry of Love” editorial explores the depth and complexities of love. Just like a great poem does, this pictorial will stir emotion and leave you pondering about love. Set in the poetic Lake Como, a summer retreat destination for writers throughout the ages, it is equally a visual pleasure and a poignant story about love.

The talented ladies of BELLA BELLE SHOES tell us more about the shoot: "Behind this masterpiece editorial are some of the best creatives in the industry. A master at her/his craft, each person adds her/his unique interpretation of the theme Poetry of Love to create a nuanced story. The result is a magnificent synergy on the never ending quest for beauty that none could have achieved on her own.

Making beautiful and comfortable shoes is our passion. This time, we wrap them in the art of poetry. Inspired by beautiful love poems, each shoe is endearingly named after a famous female poet. The collection is a nuanced fusion of poetic elements and Bella Belle aesthetics. It is our interpretation of poetry in shoe form: the fluidity found in the embroidery, the airiness in a floating tulle bow, and the rhyme of exquisite beadwork.”

From painterly light photographer LAURA GORDON: “Lake Como painted a magical scene and perfectly set the tone for the Poetry of Love editorial. My translation of this year’s theme was very much inspired by the rich textures seen throughout the area paired with the quiet presence of femininity and romance.

I chose to focus on physical form and expression using light to paint the images evoking a tone and mood for the final collection. Captivating eye contact, soft gestures, and a bold backdrop create a look that feels vulnerable yet dynamic. The journey through these photographs is much like a love story… encompassing the range of emotions one might feel as if they were part of the story themselves.”

From creative mastermind JOY PROCTOR: “To visually translate the theme, I chose not to tell it in literal sense but proposed that we make our model a living depiction of the poet’s muse. I envision that she both wears and inspires the poetry. I commissioned a poem written on her body as intricately as the bodice of a wedding gown.

The second way in which I interpreted the "Poetry of Love" theme was to envision the model as the poet’s muse. I imagined her as a goddess; a woman of strength and elegance, sophistication and wisdom. To tell the story of the poet’s muse, I asked Shasta Bell Calligraphy to write a poem onto a silk ribbon in calligraphy. My hope was to visually show the effect of love. In this image, our muse is blinded by love; spellbound by the beauty of the poet’s words. She wraps herself in the sentiments the poet has written for her.”

From motion picture maestro ZEN FILMWORKS: “The word “poetry” and “love” conveys bearing of the soul through movement and softness. I was able to translate this to film through directing the model’s beautiful movements — dancing through the words and emotions of love and poetry. I was also able to push other elements such as vulnerability, sensuality and journey through composition, negative space, light, and direction of camera movement and camera angles.

What brought it all together as the final step was carefully chosen music to enhance these beautiful and interesting blends of emotions.”

From hair & make-up magician HAROLD JAMES: “I wanted to express the Poetry of Love through movements and light textures. We have handcrafted with my team two unique hair accessories in my Parisian studio. To reflect freedom, it was important for me to see the hair in motion. Finally, I decided to play with the make-up to evoke softness, passion or strength thanks to the versatility of textures and colours.”

From logistics connoisseur CENTOROSE UN TULIPANO: “The "Poetry of Love" editorial has been set exactly where one of the most famous poets and writer of the eighteenth century composed the poem "Mattino". VILLA SOLA CABIATI and VILLA BALBIANO are two of the most refined examples of eighteenth-century architecture present on the lake. Graceful and commanding in stature, each villa features breathtaking painted ceilings, beautiful frescoes and fine tapestry. Truly poetic in every sense of the word.”

From SHASTA BELL CALLIGRAPHY: “So often poetry stays on paper and never makes the jump from head to heart. It was so fun to put pen to skin and create living art – making a gown out of words – ‘weaving fabric’ from love and ink.”