The Mediterranean coastline has long inspired artists, but this editorial—photographed by VIVIEN MALAGNAT—brought a distinctly contemporary voice to the historic setting of CASTEL BAY. Designed during a workshop hosted by JEREMIE HKB and MARION PINEL, the creative team imagined an atmosphere where architectural structure and open horizon played equally important roles in shaping the narrative, offering a refined exploration of light, form and movement.
A Setting Defined by Structure and Sea
Originally a private residence, CASTEL BAY rises above the Mediterranean with its sculptural white façade, terraced gardens and sweeping sea views. That interplay between sharp architectural lines and the fluidity of the surrounding landscape became central to the visual language of the shoot. Every frame was built around the contrast between permanence and openness—the anchored elegance of the building and the infinite horizon beyond.
The absence of color sharpened the eye,
revealing details that
might otherwise fade
into a more traditional palette.
A Monochrome Palette Rooted in Texture
The editorial direction, led by CÉLINE BRAUN FLORAL DESIGN alongside MARION PINEL, embraced a fully monochrome palette that allowed form and shadow to take precedence over color. Sculptural floral installations, draped backdrops and oversized handcrafted paper blooms created a dialogue of textures—soft, structured, layered and intentionally exaggerated. The absence of color sharpened the eye, revealing details that might otherwise fade into a more traditional palette.
A Photographer’s Study in Geometry and Movement
VIVIEN MALAGNAT approached the shoot with a keen observational sensibility. Rather than directing heavily, he allowed gestures, small interactions and passing moments to unfold naturally. He worked deliberately with geometry and negative space, composing frames that felt both graphic and fluid. Varying angles and lenses introduced shifts in perspective, while the use of flash under harsh sunlight added an unexpected editorial sharpness—one that heightened the sculptural nature of the florals and architecture alike.
The Mediterranean sun carved lines through fabrics, illuminated petals, and washed across stone in a way that felt almost tactile.
Light as the Central Element
Even in a setting rich with design detail, light remained the defining force. The Mediterranean sun carved lines through fabrics, illuminated petals, and washed across stone in a way that felt almost tactile. This interplay of brightness and shadow turned simple movements—an unfurling ribbon, a quiet tilt of the face—into moments of depth and intimacy. It was a study not just of aesthetics, but of atmosphere.
A Contemporary Vision on the Riviera
This editorial stands as a modern interpretation of the Riviera’s timeless beauty: minimalist yet expressive, sculptural yet soft, intentional yet quietly spontaneous. Through the combined vision of the creative team, Castel Bay became not just a backdrop but an active participant in the story—a place where architecture, horizon and artistry aligned in perfect, sunlit harmony.
Castel Bay became not just a backdrop but an active participant in the story—a place where architecture, horizon and artistry aligned in perfect, sunlit harmony.
