Bettylicious Retro: Marilyn-Inspired Swimwear Launch
Editorial Feature — Outdoor Swimmer Magazine
Photographed on Brighton Beach
This Brighton-based shoot for Bettylicious Retro was created to launch a brand-new swimsuit inspired by Marilyn Monroe — a structured, vintage silhouette designed to flatter and turn heads.
The creative direction drew heavily on Marilyn’s iconic beachside energy: confident, playful, and effortlessly glamorous. The final images were published in Outdoor Swimmer Magazine and used across the brand’s marketing channels.
Project Overview
Client: Bettylicious Retro
Focus: New product launch
Inspiration: Marilyn Monroe
Shoot Style: Editorial / Lifestyle
Location: Brighton Beach
Duration: 2-hour shoot
Outcome: Magazine feature + image set for digital campaigns
Creative Direction
The model arrived on set wearing a Marilyn-style platinum wig, and immediately embodied the Old Hollywood spirit. We leaned fully into the aesthetic — bringing rock lollipops, candy-coloured windmills, and vintage-style poses to capture that perfect mix of playful and provocative.
We worked quickly and intuitively, using the natural elements of the beach to our advantage. With minimal kit and focused direction, we created a set of striking, high-impact editorial shots.
Midway through, the model removed the wig, completely transforming her look. We introduced oversized sunglasses and high heels as props to shift the tone — moving from full retro homage to a more modern, fashion-forward aesthetic. This gave us an unexpected second look and expanded the image set into something versatile and dynamic.
Results
The shoot delivered over 25 final images, edited and turned around within 48 hours. The images were used to launch the new product across the brand’s digital platforms, and were featured in Outdoor Swimmer Magazine’s summer editorial.
“Just fabulous” Fiona, Founder, Bettylicious Retro.
Image Highlights
See Images and Editorial Feature
Work With Me
I work with independent fashion and lifestyle brands to create image-led campaigns that feel confident, characterful and commercially sharp. Based in Brighton & Hove — minutes from the beach — I specialise in location-based editorial photography for launches, lookbooks and content.
If you’re looking for imagery that captures mood, movement and a sense of story, I’d love to hear from you.
