Real Style, Real Women: Grace and Dotty’s #HereComeTheGirls Photoshoot
At Grace and Dotty, we believe fashion should reflect the people who wear it. That’s why, on November 28th, 2024, we stepped away from the conventional photo studio and brought our Autumn/Winter 24/25 collection to life with a twist. This wasn’t your typical glossy, airbrushed photoshoot featuring polished commercial models. Instead, we invited five of our very own customers to be the stars of the show.
It all began with an idea to make our brand feel more relatable—less about perfection and more about personality. We reached out to five loyal customers and asked if they’d join us for an outdoor photoshoot at the scenic Southwell Racecourse. To our delight, each one eagerly said yes, and #HereComeTheGirls was born.
The Vision
The heart of this project was authenticity. We wanted to celebrate real women—women who live, breathe, and love the Grace and Dotty lifestyle. The brief to our talented photographer, Nigel Kirby, was simple: capture the magic of the moment. No heavy retouching, no unrealistic enhancements—just the pure, unfiltered essence of these incredible women against a backdrop of natural beauty. Adjustments would be limited to colour correction, ensuring the photos stayed true to life.
Behind the Scenes: A Cold Yet Cheerful Day
The day of the shoot dawned crisp and sunny—perfect for stunning photos but far from warm! Bundled up in our cozy tweed wool ponchos and topped with stylish fedora hats, the ladies braved the chilly weather with good humour and glowing smiles.
Southwell Racecourse, a short drive from our headquarters in Whatton, Nottinghamshire, offered the ideal location. Its sprawling grounds provided a versatile stage for our models to showcase the collection while feeling at ease in a familiar, countryside setting. As the day unfolded, initial nerves gave way to laughter, camaraderie, and a shared sense of adventure.
Steaming cups of hot chocolate made regular appearances (along with the occasional glass of bubbly), adding warmth and comfort to the atmosphere. Each pose and candid moment reflected the unique personalities of our participants, making the entire experience as rewarding as the final shots promised to be.
A Word from Karen Ellis
Karen Ellis, owner of Grace and Dotty, summed up the project’s success perfectly:
“We’ve dabbled in using ‘real women’ in other sectors like lingerie and swimwear before, but it’s rare in country clothing. Watching this come together has been incredible. These ladies were a dream to work with—embracing the moment and showing just how beautiful authenticity can be. While commercial models serve a purpose, using real customers creates a connection. Women see themselves in the images and think, ‘That could be me.’”
What’s Next?
The stunning results of #HereComeTheGirls will debut during the week commencing December 2nd, 2024, across Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. We can’t wait to share these joyful, empowering moments with all of you.
Stay tuned for a celebration of real style, genuine smiles, and the undeniable charm of Grace and Dotty’s Autumn/Winter 24/25 collection.
