Soneva has partnered with the producer of the world’s most innovative catwalks, Jessica Minh Anh.
Jessica has chosen Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani to promote Fashion x Sustainability in the Maldives from May 31 to June 5.
The shoot promotes sustainability in the fashion industry against the backdrop of Soneva Jani’s iconic curving jetty. Combining Jessica Minh Anh’s international portfolio and Soneva’s pioneering sustainability initiatives, the exclusive shoot is set to be one of the most impactful productions to date.
An advocate for renewable energy, Jessica Minh Anh famously transformed America’s iconic Hoover Dam and Spanish GemaSOLAR power plant into runways earlier in her career.
“It was a conscious decision for me to pick the Maldives for this special project. I want to highlight the importance of sustainability through artistic and cinematic captures that will hopefully be universally embraced. I believe we can achieve great results by stimulating the mindset towards green initiatives in a creative way,” Jessica was quoted in a statement, as saying.
“I admire Soneva’s commitment towards decarbonising, having been carbon neutral since 2012. Soneva also has its ‘Women in Soneva’ programme, which strives to increase women’s employment rates in the Maldivian hospitality industry.”
Soneva Fushi, located in the midst of the Baa atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is the original barefoot desert island resort in the Maldives. The resort boasts 63 beachfront villas ranging from one to nine bedrooms. Soneva Jani, Soneva’s newest resort, is set in a 5.6-kilometre lagoon. Its 24 overwater villas and two island villas have unending views of the crystal-clear lagoon.
Soneva is known for being a trailblazer for sustainability in the luxury hospitality industry.
Using her extraordinary visual concepts, the supermodel turned entrepreneur will tell a compelling story following Soneva’s sustainability initiatives. Multi-angle cameras will follow Jessica as she lands at Soneva Jani on the Soneva seaplane and explores The Gathering, Private Residences, and whilst enjoying a number of the resort’s experiences, all against the backdrop of the crystal-clear lagoon. One of the days will be spent at Soneva Fushi, where she will take a tour of Eco Centro, the hub for Soneva’s ‘Waste-to-Wealth’ initiatives.
In line with the green concept, Jessica will wear a combination of haute couture, ready-to-wear, and accessory pieces which feature no leather, fur, or feathers. At the same time, her beauty looks will be created using cruelty-free cosmetics products.
Viewers around the globe will get a sneak peek into Jessica’s world as she shares her team’s journey from London, Paris, Los Angeles, and Bangkok to the Maldives, as well as the entire five-day shoot on her Instagram and Facebook stories. The young entrepreneur continues to inspire a new generation of courageous leaders with her mind-blowing productions atop the Eiffel Tower and Grand Canyon Skywalk, and her unwavering focus on reinvention and innovation, which she recently shared in a TEDx Conference.
Combining Jessica Minh Anh’s iconic international portfolio and Soneva’s pioneering sustainability initiatives, the exclusive shoot is set to be one of her most impactful productions to date.
“We are delighted to work with Jessica on this special project. She is a global fashion sensation with a meaningful message that resonates with Soneva’s core purpose. Jessica’s vision is in line with our own philosophy of combining innovation, luxury, and sustainability to create unique and memorable experiences,” Sonu Shivdasani, Founder and CEO of Soneva, said.
World-leading luxury resort operator Soneva runs two resorts in the Maldives, Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani.
In 1995, the award-winning luxury resort Soneva Fushi set the standard for all desert island barefoot luxury hideaways in the Maldives. Located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Soneva Fushi pairs Robinson Crusoe fantasy with intelligent luxury.
Sixty-two private villas with their own stretch of beach are hidden among dense foliage within touching distance of a pristine coral reef. Intuitive service is provided by Mr./Ms. Friday butlers.
Highlights include the open-air Cinema Paradiso, counting Saturn’s rings in the high-tech Observatory, the home-made chocolate and ice cream rooms, five hundred wines to choose from, six different restaurants and countless destination dining options. In November 2015, Soneva launched a floating villa concept, Soneva in Aqua, a treasure trove children’s Den and a multi-purpose facility encompasses a glass gallery, boutique and studio where guests can learn the art of glass blowing.
If the experiences are magical, the philosophy is simple: No news, no shoes. No pretensions either.
Opened in December 2016, Soneva Jani is Soneva’s newest property and the world-leading luxury hotel group’s second resort in the Maldives.
Soneva Jani is located on the island of Medhufaru within a 5.6 kilometre lagoon in the Noonu atoll, and has uninterrupted ocean views in all directions. The lagoon is 35 minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport and one hour by speedboat from Soneva Fushi.
Meaning ‘wisdom’ in Sanskrit, Soneva Jani currently comprises 24 overwater villas and one island villa, with additional villas to be built in phase two. Five islands encircle the lagoon, each one with soft white sands and covered in rich tropical vegetation. Four of the five islands will remain untouched, making Soneva Jani the lowest density development in the Maldives. The overwater villas are spaced across the expansive lagoon, offering privacy and extensive views over the Maldives’ turquoise waters. The island villas will be tucked into the lush greenery, providing the ultimate privacy, and all within steps of the beach.
Soneva Jani’s main guest facilities are located at The Gathering, the heart of the overwater villas. This dramatic three story structure is home to the main dining outlets, in addition to the Soneva Spa, library, retail area and wine cellar. It is located next to the Maldives’ first overwater Observatory.
Facilities on the island include the overwater Cinema Paradiso, the Eco Centro Waste-to-Wealth centre, organic gardens, tennis courts, water sports champa and Zuhair’s Beach on a desert island in the lagoon.