Behind the Scenes in Paris
What happens when cinematic nostalgia meets effortless hair in Paris? For the Monochromatic campaign shoot, Monochromatique, Anh Co Tran set out to create the answer. The result was a dreamy, lived-in snapshot of Parisian life rooted in storytelling.
Cinematic Influence
The shoot was inspired by the aesthetic of 1960s French New Wave cinema, a long-time influence for Anh. Think natural light, spontaneous energy, and an unfiltered view of daily life. While the Monochromatic Collection itself is grounded in versatile styling, Monochromatique was inspired by the 1970s; the creative direction leaned into the mood of the New Wave: romantic, effortless, and uncontrived.
Location Scouting
The concept followed a day in the life of a modern Parisian woman, from a quiet morning walk to an impromptu grocery run. To find the right setting, the team researched and scouted several parks before discovering one that perfectly fit the narrative, complete with statues, a footbridge, and greenery.
While walking to the park, a street lined with bikes caught the team’s eye. Though unplanned, it added a touch of authenticity and spontaneity that aligned perfectly with the shoot’s aesthetic. Keeping the locations within walking distance allowed the team to shoot efficiently while staying immersed in the story they were telling.
Styling with Monochromatic Ease
To achieve the model’s soft, natural waves, Anh used Froth Blowout Foam on damp hair to smooth and prep. Once dried, he created a combination of Lived-in Waves and Nu-waves to shape the style. At the roots, Puff Finishing Paste created lift and airy volume, while Velvet Texturizing Cream was added to the ends for separation and sheen. The finished look was full of movement.
Effortless French Twist
The updo itself was built by twisting the remaining hair into a ponytail on top of the head and then spreading the hair forward over the bangs, letting it fold naturally into shape. The final result was an undone, modern French twist, gathered and folded so all the hair moved in one direction, but still soft and approachable.
To finish, two pea-sized amounts each of Puff Finishing Paste and Velvet Texturizing Cream were worked through the back to maintain airy volume and piecey hold. The look was sculptural without being stiff, perfectly aligned with the Monochromatic ethos: buildable, versatile, and effortlessly yours.
Half Up, Half Down
For the half up half down hairstyle, Anh created a look that balanced undone texture with intentional structure—a modern take on a French twist. The model wore a paisley shirt, and the hair complemented that vintage-but-current energy. The process began by taking a horizontal section from one side of the head to the other, then twisting one end across and securing it with a bobby pin. From mid-shaft to ends, Velvet Texturizing Cream was applied for soft hold and to creating separation.
The Monochromatique shoot wasn’t just about showcasing products, it was about capturing a feeling. With inspiration drawn from film, lifestyle, and the streets of Paris, the result was a narrative as cohesive and versatile as the products themselves.