BEHIND THE SCENES: THE ABLE LABEL'S FROM EAST WITH LOVE PHOTOSHOOT
Up at the crack of dawn, The Able Label team met at the photoshoot location – a rural spot in the heart of Kent for the From East with Love photoshoot. The day began with beautiful sunshine, perfect for our models to arrive to and get to know one another over a cup of tea before one by one, they were called up to have their hair and make-up done.
Getting Ready to Shoot
These were no ordinary models – two were professionals, but five were brave enough to volunteer to participate in the photoshoot having a need or knowing someone with a need for The Able Label’s beautiful clothing designed to make dressing easier. Today’s blog post highlights the incredible lives and stories behind the models and our first photoshoot. After lunch, all models were ready for their time to shine. Hair and make-up complete, they selected their favourite The Able Label outfits along with coordinating comfy, wider fitting Hotter Shoes and easy to fasten Katheryn Cooper Jewellery. All looking stunning the ‘shoot began. The transformation was amazing. Before Ian the photographer began, everyone was extremely nervous and apprehensive about getting in front of the camera. By the end, there was no stopping them. They certainly gave the two professional models a run for their money!
Introducing the From East with Love Model Cast
From East with Love is a unique collection, not only does it fulfill The Able Label’s mission to make clothing easier to put on, it’s designed to be stylish. In tribute to those that helped us build the collection - many of the collection items are named after the models themselves! All of the volunteers are beautiful women who refuse to let life’s obstacles get in their way. A true inspiration to us all, it was great to watch the confidence ooze off of them after their make-over and when dressed in The Able Label clothes. They felt independent, comfortable and this came across in confidence – they were unstoppable.
Debbie (pictured in the middle, fourth from left)
Debbie is very much into arts and crafts, enjoys making cards and photography as well as being a keen traveller. She is a member and trustee of the Arthritis Action organisation. She has had rheumatoid arthritis since she was twelve. Pain is her biggest challenge and she cannot always raise her arms up or bend down. Debbie especially liked the wrap over top as “they are easily too open and close using the VELCRO® Brand Fastening / Fasteners and are easy to wear”. She also liked the trousers but looked great in the skirt which has been named after her.
Linda (pictured third from left)
Linda enjoys walking, cooking and spending time with her five grandchildren. She has osteoarthritis and currently sees a pain specialist to manage her pain. Linda until today, had been adamant the wrap styles did not suit her but with her larger bust, the wrap top and dress looked extremely flattering on. She even went on to say these two items were her favourites as they are so “ flattering, comfortable and easy to wear as well as very easy to use”. We simply had to name the Linda Jersey Wrap Top after her.
Su (pictured second from left)
Su lives in London and likes going to the theatre, fine food and wine as well as London history and culture. She has even started flying lessons recently! Su is twenty-four years post stroke. The stroke affected her left side resulting in a fixed flexion in her elbow limiting use of her left arm meaning dressing is with one hand. In particular, Su loved the wrap dress in gingko print navy, which looked great with black tights and Hotter brogue shoes. She commented on how comfortable the clothes were on and how they were “pretty yet practical”. The Su Jersey Wrap Dress has therefore taken on her name.
Imogene (pictured third from right)
Imogene loves walking, swimming, going to the gym and studying and chose to wear the white shirt with maxi skirt. Suffering a brain haemorrhage at just 19 after a hit and run accident, she has epilepsy, learning difficulties and memory impairment, especially spatial. Imogene commented on The Able Label styles saying, “I think they are brilliant! The designs are wonderful and they are perfect for those who have difficulty dressing. I especially liked how the tops didn’t have any buttons. Colours inside the clothes made them easier to get on”. Sporting the shirt on the day, we named it after her, Imogen Jersey Shirt.
Frankie (pictured second from right)
Frankie came to the photoshoot with her husband and has one dog. She has recently got very into gardening and also art, with one piece even being displayed at St Pauls Cathedral! She wore the printed shirt and straight leg trousers. Frankie suffered encephalitis in 2008 causing memory difficulties and seizures due to brain injury. She said she “would recommend the clothing to people at the Headway Centre” she attends “as many of them have had a stroke and have weakness in their arms or legs which the clothes would help with being lovely and easy to get into”. Frankie has the trousers named after her, Frankie Straight Leg Trousers.
We look forward to showing you the full range when we launch in just one month but take a peak at this teaser of our lovely ladies! To keep up to date with the launch by joining The Able Label family and we will keep you updated with our newsletter.