The cover photoshoot of The Summer Issue this year is a colourful melange of fashion and art. In this project, titled Flora, photographer and artist Julie Riemersma experiments with mixed media, including painted watercolour overlays superimposed behind her fashion shots.

The editorial was shot in an old car garage that a college friend of Riemersma had transformed into a photography studio.

“In typical fashion-industry style, we shot this floral editorial in the dead of winter, when flowers were still just a dream,” says Riemersma. “By using a mix of handmade props and floral watercolours added in post-production, we wanted to create a minimalist and a little bit edgy story.

“Living in Toronto means an amazing creative and cultured city, but also a very long and grey winter. Nothing makes you appreciate nature, like a five-month absence of greenery. As a Vancouver native, I’ve always felt at peace surrounded by nature, so I live for the warm months.”

Gown: Jordan de Ruiter. Jewelry: Karen McFarlane and Kate Spade.

With spring in full swing and summer around the corner, the editorial is a perfect visual transformation of seasons: think soft fabrics, feminine gowns and artistic backdrops of blooming floral buds.

From the fashion perspective, although this project features a mix of international designers, it places a strong focus on local Canadian talent.

Blouse & pants: Helder Diego. Leather jacket: Paige. Hair accessory: Cara (Nordstrom).

Dress: Narces. Floral bomber: Lord & Taylor. Jewelry: Karen McFarlane.

Blouse: Helder Diego. Shorts: Top Shop. Shoes: Shellys London. Leather Floral Headband: Cara (Nordstrom). Necklace and bracelets: Marchesa.

Left: Dress: Narces. Earrings: Kate Spade. Right: Blouse: Sandro Paris. Dress: Needle & Thread. Earrings: Kate Spade. Rings: Betsey Johnson.

Dress: Sandro Paris. Blue broach: Cara (Nordstrom). Earrings: H&M.

Dress: Narces. Earrings: Karen McFarlane.

Jewelry: Karen McFarlane.

Feature image: Dresses: NARCES and Helder Diego. Jewelry: Karen McFarlane.