In the world of high fashion and photography, every so often, a collaboration comes along that not only captures the essence of beauty but also sets a new benchmark for creativity and expression. The recent photo shoot featuring Australian model and actor, Jacqui de Jong, lensed by the acclaimed Albanian fashion photographer, Fadil Berisha, is one such instance. It was not just any ordinary day at the studio; it was a day where vintage glamour met modern elegance in a symphony of light and shade.

Berisha is a world-renowned fashion photographer with decades of experience. He has shot supermodel Carmen Dell'Orefice over the years, shot covers for the New Look magazine, and helped discover Kylie and Kendall Jenner long before they were the icons they are today. His specialty is uncovering new talent, while shedding light on today's biggest stars and capturing them in unique ways including Martha Stewart, Joan Collins, Sharon Stone, Ralph Lauren, and Beverly Johnson, among thousands of others.

Jacqui de Jong, a runway model from several Runway 7 shows at New York Fashion Week, and brand ambassador of several New York brands including Donny’s Angel and Twin NYC, is known for her captivating presence both on-screen and off-screen. She brought a feisty, unparalleled energy to the shoot. Her choice of garments for this session included pieces that were not just outfits, but narratives woven into fabric. Among these were vintage masterpieces sourced from her favorite treasure trove in New York City—Madame Matovu. 

It's here that de Jong found two headpieces that would define the shoot's aesthetic: a 1920’s Cleopatra-inspired hat adorned with a baby snake poised at its zenith, symbolizing allure and danger in equal measure; and a 1970s retro pageant queen crown—a piece so rare that Rosemary, Madame Matovu's owner, deemed it too precious to part with. Yet, for this special collaboration with Berisha, she made an exception.

"Fadil’s photographic work exudes classic elegance reminiscent of Old Hollywood glamour and the beauty pageant tradition," Jacqui de Jong remarked about working with Berisha. "I love how he captures real, raw emotion in a way that is beautiful, but at times also frightening, in an embodiment of the sublime." This statement encapsulates the essence of their project—an exploration into the depths of human emotion through the lens of fashion photography.

The choice of attire for each segment of the shoot was meticulously planned to complement these iconic headpieces. For the Cleopatra look, Fadil picked out an exquisite red satin two-piece set designed by Twin NYC—an emerging brand fast becoming one of de Jong's favorites. The ensemble was perfectly suited for showcasing strength and femininity simultaneously; attributes synonymous with Cleopatra herself. Alicia and Isabella of Twin NYC played key roles in helping Jacqui pick this perfect outfit specifically for capturing powerful imagery.

“I felt like I made quantum leaps in terms of perfecting my craft as a model,” said de Jong. “Fadil taught me to really use my face muscles and eyes to express emotion. He told me to experiment with being wild and ferocious in creating poses with a mirror.”

Transitioning from ancient royalty to 20th-century pageantry, Jacqui donned a stunning satin gown paired with a fur coat for her beauty pageant look. Here again was displayed Fadil Berisha’s adeptness at selecting garments that didn't just dress his subject but spoke volumes about her character—elegance wrapped in resilience. 

What set this photo shoot apart was not merely its homage to vintage aesthetics, but its focus on light and shade—a fundamental yet profound element in photography. Berisha’s expertise in manipulating lighting to accentuate features or cast dramatic shadows transformed each frame into a standalone masterpiece. His ability to play with contrasts elevated the visual narrative beyond mere photographs; they became stories told without words.

The synergy between Jacqui de Jong's modeling prowess and Fadil Berisha’s photographic genius created an ambiance where time stood still—each click of the camera capturing more than just images; they captured moments teeming with emotion and depth. This partnership between model and photographer exemplifies how when creative minds converge towards a shared vision, they can produce artistry that transcends conventional boundaries.

This collaborative endeavor between Jacqui de Jong and Fadil Berisha serves as a testament to their dedication towards crafting visual narratives that resonate on multiple levels—emotionally engaging, while aesthetically enchanting. Stay tuned for the final shoot on their social media accounts.

Jacqui’s Instagram @jacquibabydejong, TikTok @jacquibabydejong, + website JacquiDeJong.com.

Fadil Berisha’s Instagram @fadilberisha + website www.FadilBerisha.com.