This summer, under the sun-drenched skies of the Côte d’Azur, Gabrielle Threlfall stepped in front of the lens — not just as a model, but as a woman on the edge of something new. Wearing blush swimwear, and photographed by her partner Joseph Berlangieri, this shoot was more than a beautiful moment on vacation — it was a love letter to change, to softness, and to the quiet strength that unfolds when we let ourselves simply be.
Gabrielle was in the early stages of pregnancy during the shoot. It was a private moment — still unspoken publicly — yet deeply felt. She carried the secret with her through every frame: the knowledge that life was shifting, that something new was beginning, that her body was changing in ways the world couldn’t yet see.
This series of images became more than a creative collaboration — it became a personal keepsake of growth. Dressed in effortless swimwear made to empower and embrace the natural form, Gabrielle moved freely and without artifice, supported by someone who knew her most intimately. It was a shoot rooted in trust, vulnerability, and creative freedom — and it became a marker of transformation.
We spoke with Gabrielle about the experience, about self-love, womanhood, and the truths that often go unspoken — especially in a world that expects women to hold it all with grace.
How did it feel to approach the shoot knowing you were stepping into such a transformative chapter?
For me, doing this shoot felt like officially stepping into the pregnancy — it was a way to make the whole process feel real. At the same time, it was a little stressful, because sharing these photos meant announcing something that would directly impact my career. As a model, my body is my work, and this meant accepting that I would have to take a step back professionally for a while. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it felt important to honour this new chapter.
Your partner Joseph photographed this shoot — what was it like stepping into such an intimate and creative space with someone so close to you?
It felt incredibly easy for us because we’re so used to working together. Joey and I actually met through work, in a very professional setting, so our relationship was built on that shared creative language. We know each other inside and out — both personally and professionally — and we really understand each other’s styles and visions. Getting to share this moment and create something together for our daughter made it all the more special.
How have moments like this photoshoot shaped your understanding of strength, softness, and what it means to be feminine?
To be completely honest, I wish I could say that I feel powerful and deeply feminine — but the reality is, I’ve found this chapter quite challenging. It’s not always easy to watch my body change so quickly or to feel constant discomfort. There are so many compromises, and while I know I’m creating something incredibly beautiful, I think it’s important to normalize that not everyone loves the pregnancy journey. And that’s okay. Strength, for me right now, looks like showing up every day with honesty and grace, even when it feels hard.
What would you say to women navigating their own journeys with body image, especially during times of change?
I would say: everything passes. Nothing stays the same forever, and sometimes shifting your energy away from your body and focusing on other parts of your life can really help protect your happiness. When I don’t feel great in my body, I try to focus on my personality, on things I enjoy, and I avoid mirrors — because I remind myself it’s only temporary. We can be so hard on ourselves, but our personality is such a big part of our beauty. Life is short, and it’s so much more fulfilling to spend it doing things that actually make us feel good. And comparing ourselves to others never leads anywhere positive.
How does self-love show up in your life? Has pregnancy shifted or deepened that relationship in any way?
Self-love, for me, means taking care of yourself on every level. It’s about listening to yourself, pushing beyond your limits, achieving the things you dream of, and feeling proud of the journey you’re on. It’s also about progress, caring for others, and most importantly — respecting your own boundaries. It means doing what feels right for you, and owning it. Embracing who you are, what you say, and what you do without worrying about others’ opinions is, I think, the greatest gift you can give yourself.
If you could share a message with your future baby — or the next generation — about embracing womanhood, what would it be?
This is probably the hardest question to answer. I want so deeply for my daughter to be proud of who she is and to grow into a strong, independent woman. I would tell her that she doesn’t need anyone to achieve her goals — that everything she needs is already within her. I hope she owns who she is and becomes a positive leader to those around her. I’d remind her that it’s okay to feel deeply, to have bad days, and to know that there’s always a way through. She will always be protected by her family, and I want to give her the wings to reach everything she dreams of.
Gabrielle’s story is a reminder that empowerment isn’t always loud — sometimes it’s quiet, soft, and unfolding in private. Sometimes, it looks like standing still in a moment and saying, “this is me now.”
Through these images — raw, dreamy, and sunlit — we celebrate Gabrielle, her beginnings, and everything yet to come.