Retail Interiors Photography for Cara Loves Karl at The Grove

There's something special about photographing retail interiors at the Grove in Los Angeles, known for its uniquely elegant atmosphere and charm. When I was asked to photograph the Cara Loves Karl pop-up event, I knew this assignment would be a fun opportunity to document the combined inspiration of two fashion icons.

Walking into the pop-up space, I could immediately see that every detail had been meticulously designed to embody both Cara’s vision and Karl's legacy. The 44-piece collection showcased not only fashion-forward styles but a complete merging of Lagerfeld’s timeless elegance with Cara’s free-spirited, boundary-pushing creativity. The collection is gender-neutral, filled with minimalist athleisure, elevated accessories, and size-inclusive, sartorial coats that stand out against a backdrop of sleek, futuristic design.

As a photographer, capturing the atmosphere of a retail space is as crucial as highlighting the products themselves. At the Cara Loves Karl pop-up, the inviting layout created an energy that reflected the clean and chic aesthetic of the collection. My goal was to translate that energy into still images and enhance the creative vision behind the space. The lighting, always a key factor in retail photography, was well designed and strategically placed. I worked exclusively with the existing practical lighting to capture both the products and the atmosphere as it was designed.

The collection itself was lovely. Sustainable materials, including organic and recycled fabrics, were used throughout the collection, making this pop-up even more relevant to today’s socially conscious shoppers. The muted colors and clean lines were visually striking in the setting — a perfect complement to the sleek, futuristic interior design.

What struck me most about this project was how seamlessly fashion and architecture came together in the design of the space. The clean, minimalist lines of the retail displays felt more like architectural statements than simple product showcases. Every display had a geometric precision, a structural beauty that echoed the foundations of architectural design. As I photographed the space, I couldn’t help but think of the parallels between fashion design and architecture — both disciplines prioritize form, function, and aesthetics, but in their own mediums.

Photographing this retail pop-up was a great opportunity to document a unique and inspired relationship between Karl Lagerfeld and Cara Delevingne. The pop-up not only celebrated their bond but also the fashion-forward vision they shared.