On the heels of celebrating the 10 year anniversary of Are Studio last month, we are hosting a very special invite-only online Wardrobe Sale for our newsletter subscribers from July 30th to August 2nd. For the first time, we are selling a curation from our styling wardrobe: vintage and designer pieces we have sourced throughout the years to style alongside our bags in our seasonal editorial and lookbook photoshoots. You can sign up here for access to the sale. 

Our photoshoots are a creative collaboration between Are Studio founder Cecilia and Jane Dylan Cody - our photographer, stylist, long-time collaborator, and dearest of friends. 

Jane has worked closely with Cecilia, beginning in 2019, to form Are Studio’s visual language through photography and styling. This collaboration has shaped the distinctive identity of Are Studio, helping define our handbags as an assertion of personal taste and aesthetic.  

“Beyond working together intimately over the years, Jane is one of my closest friends and confidants. She has played a critical role in the evolution of Are Studio and it feels apt as we mark this decade anniversary to share more about her contributions, points of inspiration, and reflections in the interview that follows.”

- Cecilia 

When photographing and styling for Are Studio, what references do you find yourself gravitating toward or returning to?

Anything that helps me convey a sense of intimacy. And for styling I ask myself - would I put Isabelle Huppert in this? 

You and Cecilia have worked together for many years now. What sets apart an Are Studio shoot from other projects you work on?

We really have. And I'd say it's those years together, but above all our friendship outside of work, that sets AS shoots apart for me. Cecilia is my longest collaborator, so there's a level of intimacy and understanding that lets us both feel free in the creative process — an intimacy I'm often chasing in my other work. I feel honored that she trusts me to bring Are Studio's collections to life season after season. 

When styling a shoot, what do you consider when putting together a look?

First, the season — obvious as that sounds, it grounds each look in a time of year and orients me toward the silhouettes, fabrics, colors, and even the proportion of skin I want to play with. The colorways of the collection are a huge factor too. I try to remind myself that the looks are accessories to the bags, not the other way around.

Is there a piece from the upcoming sale that feels hard to part with?

Yes — this beautiful vintage Jil Sander skirt I found in Paris. The fabric is incredible: lightweight, but it almost looks like leather. I featured it in the styling for this, and when I put it on... let's just say I'm having serious second thoughts. Also the Celine sling backs, and that structured Jacquemus blazer. So chic.

What rituals help you prepare and ease into the rhythm of a shoot day? 

My partner makes me coffee every morning, but on shoot days I'm often up and out of the house early. I like to arrive with time to spare and take 10–15 minutes to have my coffee in the car, alone, so I can gather my thoughts and set an intention for the day.

What is playing in the background on set? 

Lately it's been Madonna — Ray of Light right through Confessions on a Dance Floor. Though Cecilia and I have a shared country playlist that gets thrown on a lot, and it never misses.

What are you returning to lately for inspiration, perspective, or pause?

Bruce Weber's early work. My love for cinema, always. And for perspective, I've been printing more, which I find really helpful — whether in prep for a shoot or in post-production, having tangible images to lay out, touch, and see in relation to each other. It's been a nice antidote to how digital images live these days.

Which Are Studio bag do you reach for most often? What do you love about it? How does it tie into your daily routine?

My Lazaro bag. It's not out yet (debuting soon in September), but Cecilia made me one early because I’m obsessed — I nagged her for months after we shot it for the upcoming Fall Lookbook. It's the perfect size and shape. I feel chic carrying it no matter what I'm wearing, and it fits everything I need without weighing me down. I can't wait for it to get all worn in and textured.