Behind the scenes shooting the Dolorous SS17 Lookbook

It's the second instalment of my 'Meet the Model' feature and I'm so excited to introduce you to Mila!

She is a creative force who, though a self-described introvert, expresses herself through modelling, photography, and even film production! She may be a bit on the quiet side, but I got her to open up and here's what she had to say!

Tell us a bit about yourself:

I never know how to start these questions...yikes. Ok, I’m based in Toronto. I’m always thinking about films and how much I want to make them. I shift my focus from acting to modelling, modelling to photography because I like to express my creativity in as many ways possible. 

How did you get into modelling?:

I think my friends and I were a little possessed by America’s Next Top Model and just Tyra Bank’s in general. We watched the show religiously and with a webcam and older sister who did makeup we had our own photo shoots. We shot every weekend and I’ll never forget how meticulous we were.That’s pretty much how it all started. 

Describe your personal style in 5 words:

Evolving, Introverted, eclectic and loose. 

What is your favourite thing about your job?

The opportunity to make someone's idea come to life. Doesn’t matter if it’s a short film or a photo shoot, it’s beautiful that I can take my impression of the idea and blend it with not just the person that it came from but the rest of the team.

What’s your favourite restaurant?

Vital Life in Kensington market. If you're a skeptic when it comes to vegan food I encourage you to try this place, it will change your life!

What’s your favourite movie?

Melancholia by Lars Von Trier. This film always finds it’s way back to me.  

What are you most likely to be doing when you’re not modelling?

I actually don’t do much modelling so, for the most part, I’m secretly working on my short films.  

What items are always in your purse?

Wallet, of course, lip balm, headphones, a book (currently reading “How to Think More About Sex” by Alain de Botton) and a bunch of old receipts. 

If you were an emoji which one would you be?

The flamenco dancer is 100% me. 

If we asked 10yr old you what you would be when you grew up what would you have told us?

An actress. But I would make sure that you knew I only wanted to be in romantic films, nothing more. 

Describe your ideal Saturday:

All I need is some alone time. 

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I hope you enjoyed getting to know Mila as much as I did! For more Dolorous highlights, styling tips, and exclusive offers, head to the bottom of this page and sign up for the Newsletter!

If you liked getting a peek behind the scenes of the brand be sure to follow @dolorousjewellery on Instagram! 

I'm not sure what the source of this sudden nostalgia was but last night I found myself lost in the archives of early Dolorous and it struck me how much more personal this blog used to be. I would use this space to talk about my inspirations, my excitement about new materials, and even just my thoughts and feelings. Since those early days this blog has become more of a space to keep you up to date with press, sales events, and insights into the behind the scenes of the line. It may seem less personal but its no less a part of me. While the company has grown, certain aspects of the business have been outsourced, and employees have come and gone, Dolorous is still largely an independently run business. I design, make, and ship every piece. I write handwritten notes to every customer and gift wrap every order. I conceptualize and direct every photoshoot and often style them myself too. There are parts of me in every aspect of the line and I'm extremely proud of that, frankly, I wouldn't give it up for anything. In that way even though my posts are less 'about' me, they are in another way completely about me because I am Dolorous.

Being that involved does occasionally come with a price. Two weeks ago I got married to the love of my life, and two weeks from now I'll be leaving on my honeymoon to Japan. Taking time off from the line is always tricky but sometimes life (and love) come first! The shop won't be closed while I'm gone, shipment will just be delayed until I'm back and I'm sure I'll be returning with tons of new ideas and an excited and inspired energy to put into my designs.