BLAIR BARTLETT — BLUE REINS
“Breakfast with Anna Wintour, a trip to British Vogue, online meetings with Kerstin Weng at Vogue Germany. It was the start of a roller coaster I didn’t know was possible.”
Text: VIONNE Magazine | Photos: Blair Bartlett | Models: Soli Mgmt |
Hair: Ela Lani Hair Salon And Spa | Assistant: Reginald Mahar
Makeup Artist: Lelo Tshuma | Set Design: Phoenix Rising Stables
It started with a spam folder—and led to breakfast with Anna Wintour.
Canadian photographer Blair Bartlett had no idea he was about to enter the fashion stratosphere when he casually checked his junk mail and found an email from Vogue. What followed was a dreamlike chain of events: an invitation to British Vogue, online meetings with Kerstin Weng at Vogue Germany, and doors opening across the global fashion scene.
But Bartlett hasn’t lost his grounding. With his latest editorial Blue Reins, he was capturing a powerful visual dialogue between fashion and frontier. Set against sun-drenched stables and worn textures, Blue Reins is a love letter to denim, community, and the quiet power of women who fully own their space and story.
In this exclusive interview, Blair reflects on cinematic influences, the magic of collaboration, and how one missed email reminded him that anything is possible.
Interview with Blair Bartlett
VIONNE: “Blue Reins” evokes a powerful blend of femininity and frontier energy. What inspired you to use denim and stables as the visual framework for this series?
Blair: Denim has always carried a duality—it’s utilitarian and rugged, but also timeless and iconic in fashion. Pairing it with the raw textures of stables allowed me to explore that tension between elegance and grit, femininity and strength. I wanted to reimagine the “frontier” as a space where women hold the reins—literally and symbolically—while staying rooted in something authentic and natural.
VIONNE: There’s a strong sense of community and individuality in these group shots. How did you work with the models to bring out that balance of unity and personal power?
Blair: With the group I work with, it really comes naturally. When I choose people to collaborate with, I want it to be a great experience for everyone, not just a photoshoot. This series brought together models at every level—from international professionals to first-timers—and that mix created something really special. I also have an incredible team behind the scenes who look out for the models’ well-being. Sometimes that means making sure someone new feels supported, or pairing them with a more seasoned model who can offer tips. We’re lucky that our local industry is so welcoming, and I feel a responsibility to protect that atmosphere. It’s not always what you find in fashion, but here, kindness and community are part of the fabric.
VIONNE: Your storytelling always has a cinematic tone. Do you draw inspiration from film or other visual mediums outside of fashion?
Blair: Absolutely. Cinema is a huge influence—how light, scale, and pacing create emotion. For Blue Reins, I drew inspiration from old iconic Guess editorials, but also films like George Stevens’ Giant. Those references gave me both a sense of intimacy and grandeur. I’m also influenced by fine art and music, which help me translate emotion into imagery. My goal is always to create photographs that feel like scenes you can step into, rather than just moments captured.
VIONNE: Congratulations on receiving the Visionary Award at Halifax Fashion Week! What does this recognition mean to you personally?
Blair: It’s deeply humbling. The award isn’t just about me—it’s about Halifax and the incredible creative community here. For years, I’ve wanted to help raise the visibility of local talent and show that our city can contribute to the global fashion conversation. To be recognized for that vision is a reminder that this work matters, and that we’re building something lasting together. I also want people to feel seen—no matter their background, color, or gender. Representation matters, and if people are going to feel seen, they need to be able to see themselves in spaces like magazines. That’s a driving force in everything I do.
VIONNE: Looking back at your evolution as a photographer, what moment felt like a turning point in your creative confidence?
Blair: Honestly, my biggest turning point came from checking my junk mail. I remember being on the phone with my production manager and casually opening my spam folder—only to discover I had missed an email from Vogue by several days. In that moment, it felt like we had won the jackpot. Thankfully, we didn’t miss the opportunity, and from there doors opened I never imagined: breakfast with Anna Wintour, a trip to British Vogue, online meetings with Kerstin Weng at Vogue Germany. It was the start of a roller coaster I didn’t know was possible. Needless to say, I check my junk mail several times a day now.
VIONNE: How do you envision your recent award shaping or inspiring your future work, especially in the realm of sustainability and innovation?
Blair: Recognition is motivating, but it also comes with responsibility. I want to push further into projects that merge artistry with accountability—whether that’s highlighting sustainable fashion practices, or innovating through storytelling that doesn’t just capture beauty, but also sparks reflection. Awards are wonderful, but the real impact comes from using that platform to inspire change.
VIONNE: What’s next for you? Are there any upcoming collaborations, projects, or personal goals you’re excited to share with our readers?
Blair: I have several projects I’m excited about. Internationally, I’ll continue working with designers and publications, but my heart is very much here in Halifax. I’m launching initiatives to elevate local fashion, ensuring models are paid fairly and have access to global exposure. At the same time, I’m I am about to start training with vogue for the remainder of the year.
Creatively, I’m also gearing up for my annual Halloween series, a passion project that lets me experiment and play. And of course, I’m preparing for Fashion Weeks—first Paris, then New York. Above all, I’m focused on storytelling that connects—whether it’s in a global fashion capital or right here at home.
Follow Blair Bartlett | Soli Mgmt | Ela Lani Hair Salon And Spa | Reginald Mahar
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