Behind the Scenes – The Making of Volcaïca, Our Kona Village Editorial

The team behind our latest editorial, Volcaïca, share their favorite moments, biggest challenges and the things they’ll never forget, shooting on the volcanic canvas of Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort in Hawaii.

It had been flickering in the back of our creative director Karissa’s mind for some time – a vision waiting to take shape. A secluded and storied hideaway – a palette of jewelled seas, blackened sand beaches, and volcanic lava stone that would transform couture silhouettes and decadent jewels. Set on the molten grounds, it finally did: a wildly evocative editorial unfolding against the striking black sand beaches of Kona, Hawaii. We chat with Karissa and our fashion editor, Renata, for a glimpse into all that went into it.

Volcaïca by The Lane Creative Agency

Creative Director – Karissa Dalton

What was the creative direction & what drew you to Kona Village as a location?
I visited a year ago & the location never left me. The dark volcanic palette & the way it magically transformed in dusk light had me dreaming of this shoot. I loved the contrast of raw, earthen elements with a sense of decadence through textures & fabrics that mirrored the surrounds at dusk. Our shoots are often in wild, hard to reach locations, and shooting here with everything on your doorstep was a logistical dream. It would make the most ideal wedding location for that reason.

Favorite moment from the shoot?
I’m big on both planning shot lists & leaving space for magic to unfold. That moment happened when shooting our last jewelry shot, it was meant to be a close up of the jewelry only with the model’s hand through shallow water. We were running out of light so she had to run over in the Iris Van Herpen couture dress she was wearing & we tried to keep it out of the shot. The way the dress fell while she knelt down over the water, together with that magic dusk light was just so perfect, it ended up becoming the hero dress shot.

Volcaïca by The Lane Creative Agency

“I’m big on both planning shot lists & leaving space for magic to unfold. The way the dress fell while she knelt down over the water, together with that magic dusk light was just so perfect, it ended up becoming the hero dress shot.”

Volcaïca by The Lane Creative Agency

Something you’ll never forget about Kona Village?
It was the dream location – volcanic lava stone outside of your hale on one side, and black sand jewelled beaches on the other. To stay, just the feeling it leaves you with – it’s this sense of luxurious ease & simplicity. Riding around on bicycles, slipping in & out of the ocean, retreating to your dream hale, the magic views, indulging in the freshest produce, they’ve done such a beautiful job capturing the essence of Hawaii.

A challenging part of the shoot?
We only wanted to shoot in low light and that magic dusk & dawn was so fleeting, but we were lucky enough to be able to stretch it over 2 days at sunrise & sunset. There was also a snow storm in the US so lots of styling package delays & reshuffling shot lists!

What did you pack (&/or wish you packed)?
Plenty of breezy summer dresses, Toteme sarongs, I did wish i’d packed a few warmer things for chilly nights – we were there in winter after all!

Volcaïca by The Lane Creative Agency

“My favorite moment is always shooting in the perfect window of optimal light – its a fleeting moment and the feeling of nailing the shot!”

Volcaïca by The Lane Creative Agency

Photographer – Sylvè Colless

What makes a strong fashion image for you? Which shot or moment did that come together in?
All the right elements coming together in the moment! Beautiful light, expression & position of the model, the garment, a light breeze. Shooting on location is extra fun because there are more spontaneous elements to work with.

Favorite moment from the shoot?
My favorite moment is always shooting in the perfect window of optimal light – its a fleeting moment & the feeling of nailing the shot! It was a dream job to have 3 days of shooting in dreamy Hawaiian light!

Something you’ll never forget about Kona Village?
The property was absolutely stunning, but the attention to detail and service in general was one of the best I have ever experienced.

A challenging part of the shoot?
Leaving Rosewood!

What did you pack (&/or wish you packed)?
I packed perfectly for this trip… cameras, a bikini, and sarong.

Fashion Editor & Stylist – Renata Villand

Were there any standout pieces or designers that worked especially well for this setting?
Iris van Herpen is a visionary designer who revolutionized fashion by merging technology, science, and craftsmanship, pushing the boundaries of material innovation and couture techniques. We loved including them in the styling because her work redefines the relationship between fashion and art, incorporating 3D printing, laser cutting, and biomimicry to create garments that feel almost otherworldly.

Favorite moment from the shoot?
Golden sunrises spilling over the volcanic landscape, turning rugged terrain into molten gold.

Something you’ll never forget about Kona Village?
The stark beauty — ribbons of obsidian-hued lava rock meeting the jeweled sea, a contrast so striking it felt almost surreal.

A challenging part of the shoot?
Chasing the fleeting glow of golden hour. Every second felt like a race against time.

What did you pack (&/or wish you packed)?
All of Simkhai’s Spring ’25 collection featuring silhouettes kissed by the island breeze. Not to forget, their Cove Shell and Oyster clutch, pieces that feel sculpted by the sea itself.

Shop Our Editor’s Looks

Jonathan Simkhai

Toteme

Jonathan Simkhai

Jonathan Simkhai

Jonathan Simkhai

Jonathan Simkhai

Toteme

Jonathan Simkhai

Jonathan Simkhai

Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort

“We only wanted to shoot in low light and that magic dusk and dawn was so fleeting, but we were lucky enough to be able to stretch it over two days at sunrise and sunset.”

Elie Saab dress.

Social Media – Olivia Harper

What magic moments unfolded behind the scenes that were beautiful to capture?
The golden sunrise illuminating a sheer-panelled Iris Van Herpen gown, with glass-like shards catching the light. The model swayed gently as the fabric caught the wind. Filming it in slow motion made every ripple and glimmer feel otherworldly. It was magical and exciting to film.

Favorite moment from the shoot?
Riding bikes though the village to and from the shoot at first and last light, surrounded by swaying palms, and the most beautiful colors in the sky. Watching the sunrise ignite the volcanic fog was a moment to remember – it lit up in unexpected hues before spilling over the molten lava fields.

Something you’ll never forget about Kona Village?
The way the glistening sea met a coastline sculpted by ancient lava flow – such a striking contrast of softness and strength. And the warmth of the people at Kona Village, their kindness just as memorable as the scenery.

A challenging part of the shoot?
The lava fields were both rugged and fragile, cracking easily beneath each step. Moving across them for the shoot called for balance and a careful rhythm, but once you found it, there was a flow to it!

What did you pack (&/or wish you packed)?
Plenty of light, summery cotton tops and relaxed pants, leather sandals – breathable, effortless pieces that suited the setting.

Volcaïca by The Lane Creative Agency

Hair & Makeup Artist – Reka Charlston

What was the beauty direction, and some of your favorite products to achieve the look?
The beauty direction was a super natural, effortless beachy look – fresh, glowing skin with soft radiance. To prep the skin, I used Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist for hydration and Omorovicza Lip Balm for a smooth, nourished base. For a light, luminous finish, I applied Mad Hippie Sheer Tint Sun Serum, then added warmth with Saie Dew Bronze Soft-Focus Sculpting Liquid Bronzer. A touch of MILK MAKEUP Bionic Glow Illuminating Liquid Highlighter enhanced the skin’s natural radiance, catching the light beautifully in the island setting.

Favorite moment from the shoot?
Sunsets on the black sand beach, with whales breaching in the background – a breathtaking moment that felt surreal.

Something you’ll never forget about Kona Village?
The staff’s incredible attention to detail and the warmth of their Aloha spirit. Their kindness made the experience even more special.

A challenging part of the shoot?
Everything was so well-planned and executed that it felt effortless. It was a truly enjoyable experience from start to finish.

What did you pack (&/or wish you packed)?
I packed all the essentials, but if I could have, I would have packed my family too – this location was so special, and I wish they could have experienced it with me!

Volcaïca by The Lane Creative Agency

Shop the Look

Recommended by our hair and makeup artist herself, Reka Charlston, shop the skincare and beauty products used to achieve the effortlessly radiant, beachy look from our Volcaïca editorial.