Stylist Courtney Joe takes Insiders behind the scenes of our winter fashion story, Elemental - from first concept to final frame.

The idea for Elemental was born over a spritz at Freida Margolis. Photographer Matt Hurley is one of my favourite creatives to collaborate with — his sharp eye and mind extend well beyond the lens, and a catch-up with him is always inspiring. We’re both from the South Island, and with the impending winter, our conversation turned to the snow. How could we, logistically, shoot something in the snow this winter? Or how could showcase the season’s elements — and fashion — in an interesting way?Upon goodbye, we tasked each other with some homework: to build on references and a mood. Elemental (while unnamed at the time) was the result — hard textures and strong silhouettes set within a deep studio cyc, with soft gradients that emulate the depth and scale of the cold. And wind-powered movement — directional and empowering.

We decided to shoot in late April, at Kingsize Studios in Grey Lynn — close to FQ HQ, with an expansive cyc-walled space to bring the elements in and keep any unwanted elements out (there was a torrential downpour that day). Lili Sumner was the face of this editorial — Matt…