Eli Wakamatsu - Marie Claire UK April 2011

Eli Wakamatsu worked with the photographer Kim Myers Robertson and the stylist Sarah Christie to create this beautiful shoot for Marie Claire Magazine.

Kim and her assistant Tony came from New York, the “lovely” model Gabriela from Oslo and the rest of the team came from London. They all met at Nairobi International airport to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and then changed to small 12-seater plane for further hour or so to the Selous safari camp.

Eli said that when they touched down, they were met by lovely people from the camp who “greeted us so warmly in the heat of approximately 47 degrees!”

The team needed to quickly adjust to not only the heat, but also the code of wild safari life; to be aware of wild animals, including poisonous creatures, and always be escorted by local Masai men (who all had beautiful smiles apparently).

The Selous safari camp sits by the Rufiji River, the largest river in East Africa and supplied the strong winds needed to blow the fabric of the dresses to achieve the beautiful images.

Eli said, “It is truly beautiful river, and I had such an urge to dip my toes in as the day reached the highest temperature of 47, but quickly held myself back remembering that the river is a home for thousands of crocodiles!”

In the intense heat, Eli used Dior Anti-Aging Sun Crème SPF30 and Dior Pro-Youth Protective Fluid SPF 15 of the hydra life to protect Gabriela's skin prior to beginning make up. (This light emulsion hydrates and acts as a defense against UVA and UVB)

 To keep Gabriela’s skin looking sheer and fresh, Eli used Dior nude foundation in 010 Ivory with Dior Bronze 004 Spicy Matte SPF 20 on the cheeks and forehead.

Eyes were swept with range of Dior amber and burned earth colours and for the strong lips Eli used Rouge Dior colour called fantastic!