I first went to Armenia in the summer of 2013 and was struck by the impression of age the country gave me. Growing up in southern Germany, with castles on the hilltops and quaint alleyways all over, you get accustomed to history surrounding you, but I felt it quite differently in Armenia. Despite the capital city having few truly old buildings left, there's something in the air that reminds of older times. Perhaps it's the dusty roads outside Yerevan; perhaps the cuisine that still goes by the seasons; perhaps the alphabet that looks like ancient carvings to the uninitiated.

Certainly it can't be denied that the country has a long history, and it's one I have barely scratched the surface of. (What I have gathered, you can find on the website blog - history, art, cultural tidbits and other fascinating information await you!)

For this first photoshoot I created a Տարազ (taraz), an Armenian traditional outfit. The stiff hat is often paired with a soft veil that is hung or draped over the head, and the same fabric as for the hat was used for the apron-like belt that holds the overrobe together. The colors are deeply Armenian with their deep reds and cream, and long braids are slung over either shoulder.

All photos were shot by Lia Avetisyan, a very talented individual from Yerevan, Armenia (the pronunciation is "Ah veh tees YAHN"!). Modeling, makeup, styling and post-production by yours truly (Sophie Lupas).