Love at first shoot: BJ Pascual and Pauline Prieto

Their chemistry is undeniable, often translated into powerful photos that grace magazine pages. It’s quite hard to imagine that photographer BJ Pascual and model Pauline Prieto, two of local fashion’s most sought-after personalities, brushed elbows only a year ago.

They first met at a photo shoot and by the time it wrapped up, the two had already become fast friends.

Behind the bonding is an even more potent alchemy that reveals itself as soon as BJ takes his place behind the camera and Pauline transforms into the glamorous model that makes her a favorite muse of many designers, editors and photographers. The two have done countless collaborations.

“He is so comfortable to work with.” said Pauline, “He takes a certain care and ease when it comes to prepping the set. He pours his entire heart and soul to photography. His photographs are timeless and hard to miss.”

The feeling is mutual. “Pauline is a natural,” BJ said. “Aside from her unique look and personality, what I love about her is that she always gives me what I want without me even saying anything! She’s a mind-reader!”

BJ finished International Studies at De la Salle University and later flew to New York to pursue fashion and photography at Parsons, Fashion Institute of Technology and International Center for Photography.

Pauline was chosen by Paris-based talent scouts of Elite to represent the country in the Elite Model Look Competition held in Shanghai, China.

Recently, BJ and Pauline took a road trip to Tagaytay for a rare photo shoot that put together the photographer and model in the same frame.

Dressed in the latest collection from Topshop and Topman, the two had fun in front of the camera. Pauline strutted on the city’s roads in a knitted jumper paired with utility pants, layered with a collar padded parka.  She rocked a lion tank paired with midtone skinnies and a biker jacket. She also wore a tie front shirt paired with utility skinnies, layered with a stitch cardigan.

BJ was comfortable and stylish in a black leather look zip through aviator layered with a mushroom knit jumper and khaki cotton zip through hooded parka paired with navy frank shorts. “I love Topshop’s basics and shoes and my favorite piece is this leather vest that goes well with just about everything,” says Pauline. BJ shares that if there is one fashion item he couldn’t live without, it would be a pair of Topman’s black skinny pants.

Topshop stores are located at Robinsons Galleria, Robinsons Place Manila, Shangri-La Plaza, Power Plant Mall, Greenbelt 3, Bonifacio High Street, Alabang Town Center, TriNoma, The Podium, SM Mall of Asia and Ayala Center Cebu. Topman stores are located at Robinsons Galleria, Robinsons Place Manila, Power Plant Mall, Greenbelt 3, Alabang Town Center, TriNoma, The Podium and SM Mall of Asia.