Photographer Karen Kwong has never been one to shy away from bold storytelling. One of her latest projects, a couture photoshoot inspired by Wicked, takes that vision to new heights — blending theatrical flair with intimate, empowering moments that highlight the magic of transformation.
“I’ve always loved the idea of storytelling through photography, and Wicked carries such strong themes of transformation, sisterhood and empowerment,” Kwong says. “When the opportunity came up, I wanted to channel that drama into a couture-style session that felt larger than life, yet deeply personal.”
The shoot, featuring the daughters of publishers Tiffany and Jake Slowinski, drew inspiration from the cultural buzz surrounding the upcoming release of Wicked Part Two this November. Rather than replicate the film, Kwong created an artistic interpretation grounded in couture design and dramatic visuals.
For Kwong, atmosphere was key. Dramatic lighting, bold wardrobe choices and intentional posing combined to create images that felt cinematic, while still keeping the young subjects comfortable and natural.
“I didn’t want them to feel like they were just playing dress-up,” she shares. “I wanted them to truly experience the story.”
Working with Tiffany and her daughters brought an added spark to the project. Kwong describes the collaboration as “inspiring,” noting that the girls’ energy and willingness to step into character transformed the session into a co-creation.
To help children embody stylized roles, Kwong uses playful direction. Instead of rigid posing, she gives them scenarios to act out, encouraging drama and imagination. “That’s when the real confidence and spark shine through,” she notes.
The couture gowns, designed by Your Fairy Godmother Couture as part of its Future Is Female program, elevated the shoot even further. Inspired by Wicked costumes but reimagined for empowerment and age-appropriateness, the gowns added authenticity and drama. Intricate backdrops from Baby Dream Backdrop set the stage, creating a world that felt both magical and real.
“The collaboration across the creative community was incredible,” Kwong explains. “From couture designers to backdrop artists, everyone played a role in transforming the studio into another world.”
Kwong recalled a standout moment during the session when Charlotte, one of Tiffany’s daughters, embodied her role so naturally that the room fell silent. “She carried strength and elegance beyond her years,” Kwong says. “I knew in that moment we were capturing something truly special.”
Those photos of Charlotte became contenders for cover images, thanks to their mix of visual drama and emotional depth. “With Charlotte, it wasn’t just the styling or pose — it was the expression in her eyes that told a story,” Kwong notes.
Underlying the glamour of couture photography is a deeper purpose. Kwong’s direction was intentionally woven with empowerment, aiming to help the girls see themselves as bold, strong and fearless.
“Photography is more than capturing a pretty picture — it’s about helping someone see themselves differently,” she shares. “I hope they’ll remember not just how they looked, but how they felt — magical and unapologetically themselves.”
Kwong believes couture-style photo experiences offer children more than images. They provide memories of a transformative day filled with creativity, confidence-building and self-expression.
“Every child carries their own magic,” Kwong says. “Sometimes all it takes is the right story to bring it to life.”
For more information or to check our some of her recent work visit musenphotos.com.