Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia - January 2020

What inspired this photoshoot?

After modeling in a photoshoot in Hammamet, Tunisia, there was one more place I had in mind—Sidi Bou Said. Known as the Blue & White City, Sidi Bou Said is a cobblestone-lined city is perched on a hill overlooking the Gulf of Tunis. My dear friend Ahlem was already on it. She had found another photographer and scheduled everything. It was another magical experience.

What is the location like?

This city reminded me in some ways of my photoshoot in Chefchaouen, Morocco (“The Blue City”)—Cobblestone streets, sweet little cafes and shops where you can find traditional goods. The vibe was different with the ocean being just below us. I could feel the energy of this charming place.How did you find your outfit?

How did you find your outfit?

If I’ve learned anything in my travels, it’s to trust that everything will workout and to go with the flow. For this photoshoot I wanted to wear another traditional Tunisian gown. I was envisioning something with a cape. Ahlem had told us of an area to visit where I could find traditional clothing. I got in the taxi and told him of the area to go. He learned of my photoshoot and told me he know just the area. He said he would take me to the area where he and his wife rented their wedding attire. I decided to go along with it and trust his choice. After being in the car for 30 minutes, I thought, “Where is this man going?” Finally we arrived in a bustling area near the bus station. There were several dress shops in the area. I got out and started looking. The places were nice, but not really what I was looking for. A lot of the shops had very similar outfits to what I had worn in my Hammamet photoshoot.

I called Ahlem and told her I couldn’t find anything. At this point my taxi driver was gone. Every taxi I saw was already taken. I wandered the streets looking for a taxi. Finally I walked out of the main area and found a taxi. I met up with Ahlem and the photographer. We jumped in her car and she proceeded to the area where she had first recommended.

We walked into this quaint shop called Art & Art Tunisia. My eye immediately caught this stunning red and gold dress hanging in the back of the store. The woman working in the store kept showing me various options, but I couldn’t get my eye off of the red gown. Ahlem started talking to the woman and explaining to her about my mission. The next thing I knew, Ahlem was on the phone with the owner of the store. She then handed me the phone and told me the owner wanted to speak with me. I picked up the phone and connected with the loveliest voice. Lamia told me that she was inspired by my mission and wanted to support me. She offered for me to wear the red dress in my photoshoot at no cost! She also supplied jewelry and shoes. I was so blown away.

In exchange for wearing the dress, she asked for me to showcase their Olive Oil and talk about Tunisia. I graciously accepted her generous offer. The more I talked with her, the more I learned about Tunisia and the products like this olive oil that are made here.

It was such a magical experience and one I will forever carry in my heart.

Photoshoot Credit

Photographer: Aymen Bellakoud

Aymen is a talented videographer and photographer from Bizerte, Tunisia. He specializes in Portrait photography and creating videos that capture the essence of the photoshoot. Aymen is extremely kind and patient. He waited patiently for me to return while I traipsed around town looking for a dress. He has a really great eye for detail and posing. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Aymen. I look forward to creating another video experience with Aymen in the future.

Watch the full length video shoot here.

Check out Aymen’s Instagram and other work here.

Hair + Makeup: Robin Finney

Salons are closed on Sundays when I had my photoshoot in Sidi Bou Said so I detailed my look. Using Tarte Cosmetics, I wanted to make sure that my eyes stood out along with red lips to complement the dress. I’m fortunate to have a great hairstyle thanks to my long-term hair masters James of Pura Vida Salon and Kinome of Sweet Hair Space Salon in Dallas, TX.

How did you feel during and after the photoshoot?

This photoshoot experience reminded me to trust those who know what they’re doing and be open to magic. Every time I model in a photoshoot, it is a magical experience and this one was the icing on the cake. I was completely blown away by the hospitality and generosity of Art & Art Tunisia. I couldn’t have planned this experience. It was magic and a willing heart that brought it all together.