Fairy Floss Collaborative Shoot with Alea Rain

We trekked into the rainforest at Whian Whian with local producer Jo Murphy to capture some photo and video footage of Californian goddess Alea Rain wearing our designs. Pretty Soul Makeup did the makeup, Ayla Nereo made the tunes, and River Hazel of Hazel and Herb took the photography. Here's some of the magic.

This collaborative shoot is one of the ways Fairy Floss shows its clothes in the wild. The label has made tribal and alternative fashion in Byron Bay since 1998, and a forest suits it well.

A Day in the Rainforest at Whian Whian

Whian Whian is a patch of subtropical rainforest in the NSW Northern Rivers, inland from Byron Bay. The air is damp and green. Light drops through the trees in soft beams. It is the kind of place where a photographer wants to stay all day.

The team walked in with cameras, makeup kits, and a bag of Fairy Floss designs. Then the real work began. There was photo and video footage to capture, light to chase, and music to match each scene.

The seven photos from the day show the result. Each frame has a different mood, and each one feels like a small story. Some are calm and quiet. Others feel wild and full of energy. Together they show how a forest, a face, and a good outfit can tell a tale without a single word.

Video adds another layer. Moving footage shows how fabric swings, how light flickers through leaves, and how music can change the feel of a place. Photo and video work best side by side.

Meet the Creative Team

A shoot like this takes many hands. Each person brought one clear skill:

• Alea Rain: The Californian goddess in front of the camera, wearing our designs.
• River Hazel of Hazel and Herb: The photographer, who turned the forest light into photos.
• Pretty Soul Makeup: The makeup artist, who built each look from the face outward.
• Ayla Nereo: The musician behind the tunes that give the footage its feel.
• Jo Murphy: The local producer who kept the whole day on track and on camera.

When artists share one place and one goal, the work grows into something none of them could make alone. That is the heart of a collaborative shoot. It also helps local talent. Working with people near Byron Bay keeps the creative scene close and strong, and it gives artists a chance to grow together.

Why a Rainforest Suits Fairy Floss

Fairy Floss was created by Alex and Revital Lev from a studio in the forest. Both come from the festival scene, and both are artists and designers. So a rainforest shoot is more like coming home than going on location.

The clothes match the setting for a few reasons:

• Earth colours: Olive, stone, brown, and black blend into bark and moss.
• Natural fibres: Many pieces use cotton and bamboo. Leather comes from ethical suppliers and is recycled when possible.
• Texture: Lace, studs, leather straps, and prints catch light and look rich against green leaves.
• Movement: Skirts, tunics, and dresses swirl when the model dances or walks. That gives the camera something alive to follow.

Fairy Floss also cares where its clothes come from. The designs are made in Bali by a family the label has worked with for almost 20 years. The brand explains its approach on the ethos page.

How a Collaborative Shoot Comes Together

Behind every "magic" photo is a lot of planning. A shoot like this usually follows a few steps:

1. Pick the place: The team chooses a spot with good light, and it must be safe to reach on foot.
2. Choose the clothes: The designer picks pieces that suit the setting and the model.
3. Prepare the look: The makeup artist matches colours to the outfits and the forest tones.
4. Shoot and film: The photographer and video crew work while the light is soft.
5. Add the music: The sound brings footage to life, so the song is chosen to match the mood.
6. Share the story: The best photos and clips go out to the public.

Local people make the whole thing easier. A producer who knows the area can find the right track, the right time of day, and the best light.

Clothes That Work in the Wild

Rainforest shoots are hard on clothes. The ground is wet, branches reach out, and the team walks a long way. A garment has to look good and still move well. These are the features that help:

• Stretch: Cotton lycra moves with you and handles a long day.
• Pockets: Phones, keys, and small tools stay close.
• Layers: A cool forest warms up fast once you start walking.
• Strong details: Good stitching and sturdy trim survive a scramble over rocks.

Fairy Floss designs for people who move, dance, and camp on festival grounds, so many pieces already fit this list. The Body Ink Top is a thin, stretchy knit with tattoo-style prints. The Avant-Garde Hoody is unisex and has many pockets and a big hood. A pocket belt keeps your hands free, and leg warmers add warmth on a cold morning.

Flowing tunics and long dresses move well in the wind, which makes them easy to photograph.

Dress for Your Own Nature Shoot

You do not need a crew to take great photos outdoors. A friend with a phone and a good spot can do plenty. A few tips:

• Go early or late. Soft light flatters everyone and every fabric.
• Pick one hero piece. Let one bold item stand out, and keep the rest simple.
• Match the place. Earth tones suit forests. Bright colours pop on a beach.
• Move around. Spin, walk, and laugh. Still poses can look stiff, but movement looks real.
• Pack smart. Bring water, a spare layer, and shoes you can walk in.
• Keep it kind. Leave nothing behind, and stay on the track in the forest.

Pieces that suit any body, like unisex festival wear, are easy to share when friends shoot together.

More Fairy Floss Looks to Explore

If this shoot made you curious, there is plenty more to see. Fairy Floss keeps a long list of lookbooks. They include Mermaid Skin, Nature Punk, Wonderland, The Circus Punk, and Steampunk Journey. Each one shows a different world.

Fairy Floss also sharesvideos of its clothes in motion, and the page links to the brand's YouTube channel. Art, music, and clothing often meet in Byron Bay, and the same spirit runs through the visionary art shown in the Fairy Floss gallery.

Conclusion

A rainforest, a Californian goddess, a producer, a photographer, a makeup artist, and a musician: that is how this collaborative shoot came together. Each person added a piece, and the forest did the rest. The result is a set of images that feel like a dream you can wear.

Want to wear the magic yourself? Start with the new arrivals, pick one piece that feels like you, and take it somewhere wild.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who took part in the Fairy Floss shoot with Alea Rain?

Alea Rain, a Californian goddess, wore the designs. River Hazel of Hazel and Herb took the photos. Pretty Soul Makeup did the makeup. Ayla Nereo made the music, and local producer Jo Murphy helped capture the photo and video footage.

Where was the collaborative shoot filmed?

The team shot in the rainforest at Whian Whian, in the NSW Northern Rivers, inland from Byron Bay. They trekked in on foot with their gear to find the best light.

Can I see more Fairy Floss photos and videos?

Yes. The site has a page of lookbooks with many themed photo sets. It also has a videos page that links to the Fairy Floss YouTube channel.

What should I wear for a rainforest photo shoot?

Choose clothes that stretch, breathe, and handle a walk. Earth colours suit the setting. Pockets and layers help too. Add shoes you can walk in, and carry water.

What does a producer do on a photo and video shoot?

A producer plans the day. That includes the place, the timing, and the crew. A local producer like Jo Murphy also knows the area, so the team spends less time lost and more time shooting.