Inside the Midnight Collection

The Midnight Collection was inspired by the winter solstice -- the shortest day of the year when the sun barely peaks out and the skies are dark, lit only by stars and Northern lights. (At least in Edmonton, the northern city we call home.)

It is bleak, but also beautiful. Appropriately, the Midnight Collection pairs two dark colours -- Navy and Black -- that each acquire a new luminance when together. Long gone are the days when it was a fashion no-no to pair them; we see it in nature all the time, bold against the white of the snow. It’s in all of our favourite stores (in case you’re wondering, we called upon Shades of Grey), and this season in particular, it’s fashion forward, cozy, chic, and strikingly calming.

We're about to take you inside our Midnight Collection and the campaign we created with the extremely talented Jillian Schecher. Not only are her product styling and lighting techniques magic, but her personal tastes are on point: We shot the entire collection at her house for its impeccable decor.

Before you go behind-the-scenes at our photo shoot, here's what's new:

The Bow Flat: Bow down. This style is fit for a queen bee (Queen Bey?)

The Classic Point has got a bold update: bow embellishments! The polished Navy leather says refined, but the accenting Black bow is anything but boring. (It’s a series of tight loops handcrafted in our premium cowhide leather.)

The Slip-on Oxford: The most laid-back and dressed-up flat in your wardrobe.

*Note the gorgeous Black Nubuck... at last, a "slipper" that's acceptable in public!

Combining the best in ease, comfort and style, The Slip-on Oxford was created to be the ultimate, go-to shoe in your closet (or suitcase), whether you’re at the office, or on your feet all day exploring a city. As practical as it is fashion forward, this pointed toe flat is laceless and fills a void between choosing a typical ballet flat or a boot in the transition seasons.

The Zipper Bootie: The cool girl's approach to winter.

The most practical and stylish way to accessorize your accessories: with zippers! Our first ankle boot with zippers is both good looking and functional, zipping down the centre on Black Nubuck leather and along the top of the shoe. Boasting a much-requested 2.5-inch stacked heel with a natural brown finish, the sole has exposed edges and is also a brand new last shape for Fall/Winter 2015-16. This Navy leather is the finishing touch to a polished winter get-up.

The Chelsea Boot: Unique enough that you won't find it anywhere else, classic enough to wear on the daily.

Your newest, greatest travel companion. This classic Chelsea boot appeals to a wide variety of tastes, and its exterior pull-tab at the heel makes it easy to slip on and off, whether you’re on a road trip or your next flight. Undeniably our favourite everyday shoe, this ankle boot is a must-have for every season.

The Chain Boot: This bold addition will kick your winter blues to the curb.

Alt-rock style is reigning strong this season. Introducing our first knee boot with chain link hardware, this ankle detail adds a confident edge to a classic riding boot. Accenting the gold, studded metal chain is triangular seaming from a centre pivot point along the leather shaft, and then it’s finished with a gold side zipper. Meticulously crafted, the Chain Boot has some serious backbone. (As with all our boots, we take 4 measurements to make it a fit: foot length, foot width, calf width and boot height!)

The Military Boot: In the navy is right.

A salute to timelessness, this navy military-inspired boot is the first Poppy Barley knee-high style to boast a 2.5-inch block heel and a sole with edges. Plus, it’s got a natural brown finish—a chic detail for day to day dressing. Add a pointed toe (a brand new last shape for Fall/Winter 2015-16) a soft, Black Nubuck shin gaiter, four gold snap straps, and an asymmetrical topline, and you’re ready to lead an army—whether you’re looking for wide calf boots, narrow calf boots, or something in between.

Behind-the-Scenes with Jillian Schecher

Our gorgeous model, Lindsay, brought her adorable son, Noah, along with her to the shoot. In between naps, he provided loads of entertainment and sent us into baby fever. (Although, we're gearing up for a baby of our own.)

As always, we welcome your feedback on the Midnight Collection!