Regarded for their symbol of refined luxury cats have become synonymous with the fashion industry throughout the world. The ancient Egyptians worshipped felines firstly for their ability to control vermin in households and over the following centuries, the domesticated cat became a symbol of grace and pose across Egyptian and other cultures.

PetLondon Models was tasked to find a family of exquisite looking cats for an opulent fashion shoot to be published with Harper’s Bazaar, the premier woman’s fashion magazine. It now has 32 international editions, across 48 countries, in 21 languages, over 11 million readers, and over 2 million issues sold each month.  The felines were chosen to celebrate the cat themed leopard print and kitten heels in vogue for this season, with model Florence Kosky with styling from Charlie Harrington.

PetLondon was primely positioned for the assignment having worked on high-end shoots with a variety of cats for Tatler, Stella McCartney and Vogue previously.

The natural choice of cat models were the family of Maine Coon cats. The Maine Coon is one of the largest domesticated breeds of cat and one of the oldest natural breeds in North America. Specifically native to the state of Maine, where it is the official state cat. Theories suggest these cats are offspring of the first cats that travelled across with the first settlers. The Maine Coon is a large and sociable cat, hence its nickname, “the gentle giant.” Reputed for its intelligence and playful, gentle personality, the Maine Coon is often cited as having “canine-like” sensibilities.

This family of six young adults are named Henry, Jimmy, Murphy, Oliver, Bobby, Raphael, Mika & Sky . They are all extremely relaxed in new environments, with the owner taking them tolocal cafes and hospitals making them a great fit for the shoot. The models are all pictured below and their profile can be found here.

The shoot took place in Shotover House, also called Shotover Park, is an 18th-century country house in Wheatley, Oxfordshire. The house, garden and park are Grade I-listed with English Heritage, and 18 additional structures on the property are also listed. The house is privately owned in trust and formerly the residence of Sir John Miller, the lte close friend of Queen Elizabeth II.

Inside the drawing room of the spectacular residence, the set was prepared in one of the numerous drawing rooms. The shoot was centred around an ornate Chesterfield chaise. The cats performed posing together with the model and enjoyed just chilling out on the sofa in the downtime. The relaxed and regal poses of the feline models echoed the grandeur of the location spectacularly well.

The cats were to pose with Florence Kosky, a British model and actress from Dorset, who has worked with numerous brands internationally including Burberry, Dolce and Gabbana and Christian Dior.

The photographer Agata Pospieszynska, who was born in Warsaw. She is a highly talent photographer bringing he own unique femine vision of romanticism, who is known for her sense of style when it comes to imagery and storytelling.

An amazing shoot in a fantastic location. Well done to all involved with the spectacular finished results!