Today we launch our first backdrop collaboration, BVS X Lucy Parissi to bring you three gorgeous new designs developed with photographer and food blogger, Lucy.

 

Hey there, thanks for dropping by for MORE exciting news!

I love working with people outside of our own four walls (no offence to my team but external input and feedback is always so inspiring and helpful!) so when Lucy asked me about developing some new backdrops from a few of her own surfaces I jumped at the chance.

Lucy has been a customer and supporter of Black Velvet Styling from very early on so we’re really happy to be collaborating on our first BVS X range with her. Lucy’s work is absolutely stunning – if you don’t already go follow her on Instagram @supergolden88 and check out her blog on www.supergoldenbakes.com for a lesson in how to shoot in a beautiful and layered yet clear and elegant style that brands love.

The BVS backdrops are so versatile, easy to store and come in a dizzying variety. I am always impressed by their quality and photographic detail which looks realistic even in close up. 

I am thrilled to be partnering with Sophie to bring you three exciting brand new backdrops which I think you will love as much as I do!"  Lucy

 

Biscoff cupcakes shot by Lucy on the 'Bake' backdrop

 

Collaborating has always been in the back of my mind – we just haven’t had time to do it before now - so I’m really happy we’re finally working with creatives and photographers to create new designs.  Collaborating with Lucy has been such an insight!

 

There’s been a lot of back and forth on the styles, colours and tiny details which Lucy and I ironed out over two lots of samples, but I think its safe to say we have three AMAZING new backdrops here.

Two really nice *hopeful* classics and one total wild card that I just couldn’t resist putting in the range.  You know I always like to test the boundaries and push you out of your comfort zones a bit!

I think its really important that I never assume too much what you guys would like in our backdrops and that’s another reason I’m so excited to collaborate in this way more – people approach design from so many different angles - I love being surprised by what people find on their travels or have lying around and think would make an awesome print.

 

For our first three designs (there may be more – we sampled quite a few!) we have a muted neutral, a gnarly metal pan and this beautiful, vintage painted panel. What do you think?!

From the left we have the BVS X Lucy Parissi 'Bake', 'Olia' and 'Athena' backdrops in vinyl. Shop the BVS X Lucy Parissi collection here.

 

 

The 'Bake' BVS X Lucy Parissi backdrop

 

To celebrate this new launch we’re hosting a challenge on Instagram for one lucky winner and one almost-as-lucky runner-up to win each of the BVS X Lucy Parissi designs and the winner will also get a £50 BVS voucher to spend too. 

The challenge is open worldwide to everybody in the creative community, co-hosted by myself and Lucy, and with super-star guest judges Ros @her_dark_materials and Aimee @twiggstudios

 

I was actually trying to emulate Ros's style in the strawberry pavlova shot below! Ros has a gift for capturing the process of making delicious food so well, lots of messy (or relaxed as we stylists like to call it) ingredients and lovely old, textural 'doing' props.  Be sure to follow Ros if not already @her_dark_materials

Aimee also has a wonderful way of crafting her images to tell the story of the food while considering the interiors and fashion just as much, so stylish.  Aimee's IG feed takes us on a journey to another (beautiful, magical!) place.

It's really an honour that they've both agreed to be part of this launch and look over the challenge entries with us - I'm sure i will learn a lot from their insights on what makes a good food capture.

 

The 'Olia' BVS X Lucy Parissi backdrop

 

#summerdessertchallenge hosted on Instagram

As we’re coming into the height of summer now (yes really UK weather, get a wriggle on with that sunshine!) we’d love to see how you shoot summer desserts with all the lovely berries and fruit that is in season now.

 

How to join in

1. Follow our hosts and judges on Instagram - @blackvelvetstyling @supergolden88 @her_dark_materials @twiggstudios
2. Create your summer desserts and capture them as stills or video (you don’t have to include a backdrop of ours!)
3. Post your entries between Monday the 12^th and Wednesday the 28th of July 2021 (up to 3 entries per person/account) using the hashtag #summerdessertchallenge and tagging @blackvelvetstyling and @supergolden88

 

Together with our guest judges we will shortlist 4 finalists on Thursday the 29th of July and then it will be over to our IG community to vote for their favourite over a 24hr period.  This will be done via Instagram stories.

The winner and runner up will be announced on IG soon after voting closes on Friday the 30th of July. 

 

The winner gets all three BVS X Lucy Parissi vinyl backdrops (worth £90) plus £50 to spend in our store

The runner up gets all three BVS X Lucy Parissi vinyl backdrops (worth £90) 

 

Prizes include free shipping to UK, EUR and USA. Winners in other regions will need to pay a small postage fee up to £20.

We will select our shortlist of four based on how you’ve captured the essence of summer desserts through food, props, light and storytelling.

For the full terms please go the bottom of this post!

  

Some summer food styling ideas for you 

Play with different kinds of light – back light and harder shadows automatically feel summery.

Dapple your set – use flowers and branches to create dappled light and shadows as if you’re eating outside

Vibrant doesn’t always mean light – try some darker set ups too as the berry colours will really jump off them.

Think about the different flavours and sensations you might want from a summer dessert – it could be refreshing like sorbet or tarte citron, sharp like summer pudding or decadent and creamy like pavlova.

When using bold colours like summer fruit think about how you will balance or match that colour with your props and backdrop – do you run with it or use it sparingly?

Dessert normally comes at the end of a meal – how can you show that with your props?

 

"I would love to see desserts that use seasonal ingredients and evoke a true summer vibe." Lucy

  

Courgette cake shot by Lucy on the 'Athena' mottled neutral backdrop

 

Rosé jelly with elderflower icecream shot on the 'Utopia' light grey vinyl backdrop 

 

We look forward to seeing your creations and announcing the 4 finalists!

Comments are welcome below - I hope you’ll be participating! 

 

Happy styling,

Soph 

 

PS - Want to collaborate? Do you have surfaces that you you think would make good backdrops? Are you a fan of our materials and quality? Drop us a line below and we'll reply via email!

 

Competition Rules

• Entries don’t have to include our backdrops, it’s more about celebrating the season and sharing ideas
• Max three entries per person/account.
• Entries must stay on your feed for the duration of the competition and judging period if you are a finalist.
• 4 finalists will be selected shortly after close of entries and announced on IG.
• The winner and runner up will be voted for by the public via IG stories within a limited time frame. (We will be transparent with the final numbers.)
• Prizes include free shipping to UK, EUR and USA. Winners in other regions will need to pay a small postage fee up to £20.
• The winner and runner up will be announced on IG soon after close.
• All decisions are final.
• Not in conjunction or affiliated with Instagram in anyway.