Trip of a lifetime - part five


Day two of the JD Williams film shoot in Cape Town took place over two locations, here at the Dairy Shed and at an outdoor studio which I'll show you later. This was the base for hair, make-up and wardrobe as well as the site for photos and film plus interviews, so it was pretty much the hub. The day had started out being dull and wet, but by the time the first lot of filming was taking place it was seriously hot. When I dodged outside to take some photos I was advised to wear a hat so that I wouldn't get sun burnt. The landscape looked just like the lush green of the UK, but there again, perhaps that was the whole point - to recreate a lovely spring day in the middle of January!


This sight was just like home from home for me. Both the Agapanthus flowers and the Eucalyptus trees are to be found on the island where I live. 


And this was Operation Central. The Dairy Shed was a wonderful cool sanctuary no matter how hot it got outside. There was wardrobe, hair and make-up stations and a restaurant where all the crew convened for lunch from both venues. We had a lot of extras on this day for one of the film scenes so we had quite a crowd assembled by mid-day. 


Louise is one of JD Williams permanent models who has worked for them long term too. She is the archetypal English Rose of a model and as such, was in front of the cameras almost all day - how she didn't wilt in the sunshine I just don't know! This was the typical flurry of activity needed to prep her ready for her change of wardrobe for her next scene.


The word flawless, comes to mind.


This is Sian Moss, who was my make-up artist over this shoot. I use the term artist specifically to describe the skillful way she applies the make-up. Sian spends almost as much time sitting back and observing as she does painting on her chosen colours. There's no chit-chat with her as Sian gives her full concentration to the task in hand. There's a real pleasure in handing yourself over to her, knowing that she is out to create the very best version of oneself. The face, to her, is a blank canvas, one that she can visualise as she works away, painting on the right shades and tones to compliment hair and features.


Sian has played up my eyes and helped to restore a fresh look to my skin all through the power of make-up. In due course I hope to feature Sian on my blog so that I can pick her brains for some beauty tips.


I was dressed to keep cool and this outfit worked fine. The skirt was a charity shop find, as was the turquoise top. The embroidered top is from H&M, but again was pre-loved. And my sandals were bought from Primark a couple of summer's ago.



Rose petals had been brought in freshly picked that morning for the big film shoot that afternoon. 


Lights, soundtrack, action and all that jazz!


My photo shoot and interviews took place at the Dairy Shed towards the end of the day and I must admit most of the time I was thinking about this amazing backdrop, Studio 26, where the film crew were based for the majority of the day. We had whizzed past the outdoor studio in the early morning, but I myself wasn't part of the cast who was filmed there. Later on I managed to blag a trip up there when the crew were relocating for the last shoot of the day. I forgot to mention my lovely Cape Town beach bag which I bought at the top of Table Mountain - happy memories for me every time I spend a day at the beach with this!




We arrived at dusk just as one shoot was finishing. Louise had been strutting up and down those stairs like a good un! Richie was my guide on the set, showing me behind the scenes and keeping me out of trouble. Once the sun dropped there was a quick reshuffle to another corner of the studio for the final shoot.





The stylist Aldene and her assistant Nicky were trying to keep the model warm as the temperatures dropped rapidly once the sun had set. A coat was found to bundle her up as the lighting and set was tweaked. I had no idea how complex and time consuming this could be until I was involved. Filming seems to take forever!


It was coming up to about 10 o'clock by this time when a few of us were offered a lift back to the hotel. My need to spend time in the pink paradise was well and truly fulfilled by then so I jumped at the chance. There was a wrap party arranged in a bar in Cape Town which Louise and I were both in a quandary about as to whether we would go or not. As it happened, the rest of the cast were waiting for us at the hotel, so we had a quick change and off we went!


It was at the wrap party where I met up with Beccy who works for the production company in Cape Town. I told her of my plan to swim at Camps Bay the next morning. Beccy gave me lots of good advice, particularly on the safety aspect of my plan. Eventually we agreed that it might be a great idea if she were to meet me there and show me where it's safe. 



So this is Camp's Bay. Beccy's told me that despite looking quite safe, the beach is only safe to swim on when the flags are up and there are Lifeguards on the look out. Today, no flags, no Lifeguards, therefore no swimming. But all was not lost. Beccy took me just around the corner to show me a tidal pool that has a sea wall to protect the bathers. 



When I had told Beccy about wanting to swim here she told me it was far too cold, freezing in fact and that's what the Concierge at the hotel had also said too. This was me testing the temperature to show her that I wouldn't expire from the shock.




My best beach babe shot, hahaha!



Beccy was dashing off to work and I was due to meet up with the rest of the cast for one final breakfast so we said our goodbyes. How fortunate for me that Beccy's children are training to be Lifeguards which is why she knows about the heavy undertow and currents on Camp's Bay beach. I know there can be huge risks swimming from a beach that's new to you. Cheers, Beccy for keeping me safe!


Breakfast entailed a series of Ab Fab goodbyes (see part four) and Nicky from wardrobe was party to this one. I do think that he probably lives his life in the Ab Fab lane most of the time dahling!


After breakfast we had time for a final tour around the V&A Waterfront to buy some last minute souvenirs.




I would have loved to buy this large bowl, and yes they offered to ship it, but my ongoing dejunking at home reined me in. 


Paulina and I were flying back to the UK at 6pm that evening and had time for a few last minute photos. We finished our stay with afternoon tea.






We drank in the view for one last time. The holiday had been an amazing one, a real once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The venue, the 5 star luxury, the filming and photo shoots in such a beautiful country and the warm welcome of the people made this a totally memorable experience. JD Williams had really pushed the boat out for this campaign. I always have in the forefront of my mind how important it is to savour these moments. I treat every little escapade as the last one, knowing full well how fickle the modelling world can be. The English Rose, and the strong Afro hairstyle are defined looks, great looks in fact and as such there's always going to be a call for them. I know I'm flying by the seat of my pants. I also come home after every trip believing it's my last. Call it self protection, call it a reality check. Whatever. I'm very grateful for having had this opportunity and if it's my last whirl around the block with JDW, well, it's been grand!


Planes...


and more planes


and one final little plane.



Goodbye Cornwall, goodbye to the mainland...


... and hello, Isles of Scilly!


The boat homeward was bittersweet. I was sad that my adventure was over, but also so happy to be going back to family, friends and home. The day job was waiting and I was ready!

                                                                                           Anna x

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24 comments

  1. You've shared you're whole experience with us beautifully - I feel I've been with you every step of the way. Fabulous insight into the modelling world, and I'm sure i speak for everyone - we'd all love to experience this! Thanks again for sharing today. Enjoy the sunshine and spring weather I hope you're having. x Jacqui Mummabstylish

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    1. Thanks for your feedback Jaqui. It was wonderful for me to relive this too. One of the joys of running a blog is that it's an online diary for me as well as a sharing platform for my readers. It was a great adventure and one that I'll never forget. Have a super day!

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  2. I loved following you in your trip of a lifetime. Thank you so much for sharing. I'm glad to hear you managed to squeeze in a swim! Oh, and that photo of you on the pink steps is gorgeous! xxx

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    1. Cheers Ann! What a thrill it was to get my swim in the Atlantic ocean and it was no surprise to find that the temperature was exactly the same as here. My favourite photo is the same one - I was just so relieved to finally get to that colourful studio - you may see more of these shots in due course ... x

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  3. It sure was a trip of a lifetime! Fabulous to be looking over your shoulder! Thanks!

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    1. It was super to carry you all along on this rollercoaster ride. So glad you've enjoyed it!

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  4. Anna, these posts are such a gift, thank you! You are beautiful, and I am so happy for you.

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    1. Thanks for your wholehearted support Sheila. It's been lovely to share the experience with you x

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  5. Standing ovation for you Anna!!!
    You rode, bounced, and slipped through the unpredictable waves of this adventure just like the seasoned swimmer we know you to be. You told the story so well and of course we were cheering you on from the very beginning. Whether this is a happy ending or just another beginning were ready for any encore you provide.
    Thank you for taking us along!

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    1. Oh Judy, how lovely of you! Thank you my dearest, for your constant cheering on from the sidelines. Here I am flawed and sharing my insecurities time after time and you still keep coming back for more, thank you!

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    2. I'm equally flawed and aren't we all!?
      It was pretty compelling to witness your sincere delight in the opportunity you earned. When you've never done something before I think a few insecurities are going to show themselves. That you so openly share ALL of it with us is admirable. It's your honesty and authenticity that make following you and your adventures so satisfying Anna!

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    3. Judy you've no idea how much this particular comment means to me. Rubbing shoulders with professional models only served to highlight the difference between me and them, resulting in massive self doubts. I'm guilty of the "dancing as fast as I can" attitude which I use to mask my inner feelings and yet, I do happily share them on my blog cos honesty is my byword. What would be the point of writing a load of stories to try to bu****it my readers?
      Thanks for you unending support x

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  6. Thank you for sharing this fantastic experience with us. What a fabulous time you had.
    Love - Jill
    www.stylishatsixty.wordpress.com

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    1. It was truly the stuff of childhood dreams Jill and as such just HAD to be shared! I'm delighted at the reception these posts have had and am thrilled that I'm not the only one to be wowed by this other lifestyle.

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  7. It has been lovely to see you enjoying this trip and sharing your experience with us!, thank you!
    I think that making the most of this opportunity is the best attitude!, and you look so fabulous in your summery clothes and your smile is like sunshine!!
    You totally rock!
    besos

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    1. So kind of you Monica to give such lovely feedback, thank you. It was wonderful to escape the drab grey of winter and be transported into this other life of sunshine and modelling - so what if it had to come to an end? I thoroughly enjoyed it, every last moment!

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  8. OOH Anna what an incredible experience. Isn't it lovely to have all those photos and the blog posts to remind you of the adventure of a lifetime. I loved reading all of them x

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    1. Thanks so much Hilda. I know I'll come back to these and read them again and I hope some of my readers will too x

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  9. What a truly exciting adventure you've had! You'll have memories that will last the rest of your life. How would you feel if it carried on? I know it all looks very glamorous and the 5* luxury lifestyle is fabulous, but it is extremely hard work, I know. Anyway, you'll keep us posted, I'm sure.

    How you walked away from that beautiful bowl, I'll never know! The afternoon tea looked delicious. You looked very cool in your summery outfits; loved your Cape Town bag.

    I'm so glad you got to swim in SA; was it as cold as as they said?

    Have a great week.
    xxxxx

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    1. Golly you're so right about this glamorous lifestyle being hard work, but it's only a hobby for me which is why it's just little bubble of excitement within an otherwise ordinary life.
      The bowl was truly beautiful, but honestly there was so much temptation there that I put a limit on what I would buy and that had to fit in my hand luggage!
      And yes, the sea was as cold as everyone said, but no colder than swimming here. I think I'm just used to the temperature.
      Cheers x

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  10. What a fantastic journey Anna. I've really enjoyed reading all about it xx

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    1. Thanks Laurie. It was wonderful and a real once in a lifetime opportunity!

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  11. Congratulations Anna on your memorable experience and for giving us a peek into a world that from the outside looks all glamour , not so much hard work. The settings look wonderful . Glad you did get to experience your swim , conditions like so many parts of our coast. Soak up the glory Anna , it is so well deserved.

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    1. Aw, so kind of you Jill. Long hours and striving for the perfect shot is what this gig was all about and I suppose modelling in general too. I was so happy to have carved some me time out of the trip, especially that swim. The glory is transient, the memories will last forever x

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