Blush through the eyes of photographer Fleur Bult and stylist Daniëlle Kempen – a unique vision of our jewellery, captured in Mexico. Discover how our designs blend seamlessly with the vibrant energy of this extraordinary country. We spoke with Fleur and Daniëlle about their journey, the creative projects they've worked on in Mexico, and their experiences.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your creative journey led you to become a photographer?
Fleur: “I studied Fine Arts at KABK in The Hague, where I focused on drawing and painting in the early years. But in my third year, I discovered photography and video. I realised that I enjoyed working on assignments, and photography suited me far better than painting. After finishing my studies, I decided to pursue photography and started assisting other photographers. But soon, I felt a strong urge to create on my own. Photography is an incredible creative profession, and it has taken me to some truly unique places around the world.”
Daniëlle: "My work as a stylist began during my internship at Vogue Netherlands, where I contributed to the very first Dutch issue – a truly special moment. After that, I assisted several stylists, often in Paris. At the same time, I developed my own voice in my career and travelled extensively, particularly to countries in Central and South America. I soon realised that my inspiration didn't come from the catwalk but from the people and cultures. This theme still runs through my work. My passion is not just about fashion but also about telling stories, casting, and the entire production process. Nowadays, I also work as a creative director/producer and am following my path towards becoming a creative strategist. A circle is always complete, and for me, it’s essential to be involved from the beginning to the end of a process. Only then can something truly feel complete."
What inspired you to travel to Mexico, and what kind of work did you create there?
Fleur: "Daniëlle and I wanted to create a large, personal project, which ultimately became 'MEXICO: Echoes of Identity'. We’ve been exhibiting it in Amsterdam since March 27th.
The concept for the shoot was inspired by the music video Territory by The Blaze, which takes place in Algeria and tells an emotional story about a man returning to his family after a long time abroad. It explores how things change rapidly in his absence and sheds light on the complex relationships between men. The depth of the video really spoke to me, and I wanted to create something similar. Mexico came into the picture through the remarkable faces we found on the website of In The Park Management in Mexico City. I wanted to create intimate portraits of people in their own environments, curious about their stories and roots. It became a mix of casted models and people we met on the streets."
Daniëlle: "Central America has always been a huge inspiration for me, including countries like Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama, and Mexico. Costa Rica, in particular, gives me the feeling of coming home – a sense of calm and stillness, just nature. Mexico, on the other hand, is vibrant: the culture, the people, the colours, and the creativity. When I got in touch with the modelling agency In The Park Management in Mexico City, I knew I had to collaborate with them at some point."
Which unique elements of the country influenced your work?
Fleur: "Mexico is colourful and full of life. The striking architecture shows a strong contrast between materials. The unique faces, with a certain rawness, make it stand out. You can see all these elements reflected in the work we created there."
Daniëlle: "The stunning, deep colours, the vibrancy of the people and the city, and the contrasts between materials like rough concrete, glass, and the wild, jungle-like nature."
Is there a particular moment, location, or image from the Blush shoot in Mexico that stands out to you?
Fleur: "The day we shot the Blush images was truly special. We worked with a small team, the sun was shining all day, and the atmosphere was relaxed. The dusty yellow and orange walls, the unique jungle-like inner courtyard, were so typically Mexican. We also bought typical Mexican fruits and vegetables at local markets and used them for some striking still-life shots with the rings. The rich colours of the walls and the produce, paired with the gold jewellery, created something really beautiful."
Daniëlle: "Mexico City has some incredible architects who own beautiful homes in the city. For our shoot with Blush, we rented one of these houses. It was a stunning mid-century styled home with bright yellow exterior walls and a peaceful, quiet green courtyard. It was such an inspiring place – an oasis of calm in the middle of the bustling city. It was wonderful to create in such a serene environment!"
What does Blush mean to you, and how do you feel when you think of the brand and the pieces you’ve captured?
Fleur: "Blush brings back memories of my childhood. The jewellery with the red stones reminds me of my mother, who always wore such delicate gold jewellery. Blush feels like a particularly warm brand, and working with them has been so enjoyable because we were given so much freedom in our creative process. When a photographer is given so much room to express their creativity, the most beautiful shoots are born, in my opinion."
Daniëlle: "Blush has very quickly carved out a special place in both my career and my friendships. The team and the brand feel like a warm, inspiring family. Do you remember the feeling you had when you were a child and your mother made you feel that anything was possible? That feeling! It’s truly special that a brand can create that for its team, because only in that world can the most beautiful things happen!"
