Balmy, heavy frangipani scented air. A lush garden path of rainforest plants sloping along the coast. Tastes of pineapple, rum, and coconut. And sights of bright yellow, green, and orange. Gently closed eyes and smooth lips turned toward a warm, setting sun.

First of, I have to say that this has been one of the most fun shoots I have been on–ever! Of course, in Maui it’s hard to not have an amazing time with all the magnificent landscapes, sounds of birds, and intoxicating scents of flowers, but the team of Meili Autumn and Bree Rubin who did the make-up and hair styling for our beautiful model Sophie Wall were equally fun and engaging. There is just something about the island life that makes an already fun job even more exciting and these three ladies know it and live it!

Now, the concept I had created for the wardrobe and shoot itself was very uplifting and lively: a bright, colorful, and tropical look – something reminiscent of 60s Hawaiian photos and postcards sent home from paradise to loved ones.

I paired a bright yellow J. Crew Tippi sweater with a cream vintage pleated silk skirt and a vintage Judith Leiber snakeskin belt. The yellow against the lush green foliage with the pop of orange from the coral lips makes for a cheery, happy color palette. I accessorized with white Balenciaga sunglasses, a Tori Burch pearl cuff, and a vintage Hermès silk scarf in muted yellows, beiges, and whites. Despite it being a nod to the late 50s and early 60s this look does not look costume-y or contrived. You can wear it well without it looking like you are going to a themed party. And Sophie looked lovely all around like a young Elizabeth Taylor.

See the swimsuit part of this colorful, tropical shoot here with Sophie at Makena Cove, a secret beach, in a tangerine Norma Kamali suit. Or go to Magnolia Rouge to see their feature and perspective on this shoot.