Inspired by the theme “Modern ‘80s,” this Lake Como editorial reimagines vintage style with a bold, fashion-forward twist. Blending the playful spirit of the decade with the timeless charm of Italian dolce vita, it’s a celebration of color, attitude, and elegance. The shoot was planned and hosted by Lilly Red during her creative workshop at the lake, bringing her signature modern edge to every detail.
Julie, from The Dearest Still, joined the workshop to elevate her portfolio and explore new creative directions while bringing a more fashion-forward edge to her photography. With a background in fashion, she was inspired by how editorial styling, bold concepts, and storytelling could blend to create something fresh and expressive. The result was a series of striking, fashion-driven images that feel both modern and timeless. “I attended as a photographer to learn, be inspired, and push myself to try something new for my portfolio,” she shared.
Location
Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio offered the perfect blend of vintage charm and contemporary elegance, perfectly complementing the “Modern ’80s” theme. The villa’s stunning architecture, rich textures, and soft natural light became an integral part of the creative vision, shaping the way each image was composed and captured.
Style
The creative team collaborated with the talented bridal designer Atelier des Modistes, whose gowns and accessories perfectly embodied the “Modern ’80s” vision. Each look balanced bold structure with soft femininity, featuring sculptural silhouettes, rich textures, and delicate details that felt both timeless and daring.
The beauty team at The Studio Como created a look that felt fresh and effortless, with glowing skin, subtle contouring, and textured hair. Every detail was designed to complement the bold, sculptural gowns, adding a contemporary, editorial edge to the shoot while keeping the bridal elegance natural and refined.
"From my perspective, it was exactly the kind of fashion-inspired work I wanted to dive into. Having worked in the fashion industry before starting my photography career, it was so exciting to learn how to approach this type of concept through a photographer’s lens.”
Ceremony
On the day of the shoot, strong winds forced the ceremony and reception indoors. What could have been a setback turned into a highlight — the indoor space offered sweeping lake views and elegant interiors that elevated the vintage-meets-modern vibe.
Even during portraits, the wind added natural movement, giving the images a dynamic, editorial feel. The floral and décor, curated by the team, perfectly complemented the theme, bringing freshness, style, and cohesion to every scene.
Inspiration & Reception Decor
The inspiration for the shoot came from Lilly Red’s love of her native Lake Como and its authentic charm. For Julie from The Dearest Still, it was their first time in Italy, and the beauty of Bellagio offered a fresh perspective. Hearing Lilly share her story and her connection to her hometown guided her in approaching the shoot with intention, capturing the spirit of the place in every frame.
The décor was thoughtfully curated by Lilly, with some pieces coming from her own personal collection, a detail that made the entire setup feel intentional, personal, and full of heart.
A Modern Fairytale by the Lake
The wind was incredibly strong that day, forcing a few last-minute changes but also adding unexpected beauty and movement to the images. It even brought a sense of spontaneity that perfectly matched the editorial energy. The bride stunned in her second look—a mini dress with sleeves, delicately adorned with lace—that added a playful, modern twist to the “Modern ‘80s” vision.
"My own vision going into this shoot was simply to explore, have fun, and let myself be inspired by the creativity all around me.”
Candy-Colored Dreams
The shoot ended with a picturesque and vibrant sweet table filled with layered cakes and colorful desserts — a perfect reflection of the chosen theme. It was playful yet elegant, tying together the entire editorial with a touch of whimsy and creativity.
This shoot will inspire photographers, planners, and modern brides who love bold styling, editorial flair, and the idea of blending timeless romance with high-fashion energy.
PHOTOGRAPHY The Dearest Still | CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lilly Red | HOST Lilly Red Academy | VENUE Villa Serbelloni | PLANNING & LOGISTICS Guja Pusterla | ON THE DAY PLANNER Jessica Trabucchi | STYLING & TEXTILES Allegoria Textiles, Raffy | FLORAL DESIGN Il Profumo dei Fiori | FLORAL ASSISTANT Barefoot Floral | HAIR & MAKEUP The Studio | BRIDAL DRESS & ACCESSORIES Atelier des Modistes | GROOM’S SUIT Cleofe Finati | CAKE & SWEETS Qualcosa di Dolce | MODELS Serena Casellato, David Catenacci
