Content Creation On The Algarve Coast
Last month in June, we jetted off to Portugal to join SM International for the third leg of their dazzling European content creation tours, and what a location it was. Tucked away in the picturesque coastal town of Porches, a luxurious villa served as the perfect HQ for four shooting days of sun-soaked swimwear magic.Β
This trip was more than just a getaway, it was an exclusive behind-the-scenes opportunity to photograph our upcoming 2026 collection and gather real-time feedback from the incredible influencers, models, and creatives attending the shoot.
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Β A Villa Made For Swimwear Dreams
The villa itself was an absolute showstopper, ten bedrooms, two kitchens, two living rooms, a sprawling pool, jacuzzi, lush gardens, and views to die for. Just ten minutes from the beach, it provided the ultimate backdrop for Luciniβs signature glamour.
We transformed one of the villaβs spacious lounges into the Lucini London showroom, showcasing an exciting array of prototypes: brand new high-waisted sets, bandeau tops with removable straps, our first ever monogrammed bikini, and a curated selection of Lucini-branded flip-flops, satin kimonos, and our debut luxury beach towel,Β all styled to elevate the shootβs aesthetic and energy.
Trip 1: Colour, Confidence & Creative Energy
DAY ONE - GLAM, SUNLIGHT & STUNNING CONTENT
The first group of models arrived bursting with energy. Day one kicked off with early morning glam, led by none other than Sean Maloney, SM Internationalβs talented photoshoot director and hair & makeup artist, supported closely by Lauren Smith, whose expertise and creativity brought flawless beauty looks to life across the team. For this first trip, Lynsey Best played a standout hybrid role, not only working alongside Sean to craft bold, expressive hairstyles that complemented each bikini style beautifully, but also stepping in front of the camera as one of the key models. Lynsey was photographed in a wide range of Lucini London bikinis throughout the trip, bringing her own confidence and flair to every look she wore.
By the afternoon, the energy shifted into full shoot mode. Owen Jones, the lead photographer, and Tommy from MCR Media, the lead videographer, captured stunning visuals around the villa, from crisp white staircases to lush garden corners, all bathed in brilliant Algarve sunlight. The colours of our bikinis popped against the clean, sun-bleached backgrounds, making for some seriously striking editorial-style content.
As the day wound down, we took to the water for a spontaneous golden-hour adventure, a private speedboat tour of the famousΒ Benagil caves. It was the perfect Lucini-style finale to a productive first day: equal parts breathtaking, bold, and unforgettable.
DAY TWO - BEACH EDITORIALS & SUNSET MAGIC
Day two took a slower pace, beginning with golden hour with make-up touch-ups, fresh hair stylings and a quick power shoot at the villa before heading to Praia do Castelo beach. With its jagged cliffs and golden sands, it was pure editorial bliss. Our models dazzled in glamorous dresses before changing into never-before-seen Lucini London bikinis for a sunset shoot packed with fun and drama, crashing waves, natural textures, and powerful poses. Zac Grant from 528 Photos was also on hand capturing behind-the-scenes moments and dynamic video footage that brought all the energy of the shoot to life.
Trip 2: Fresh Faces, Fresh Designs, Fresh Colours
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DAY ONE - LILAC LUXE & NEW BOLD LOOKS
The second trip welcomed a fresh new group with a new vibe and was focused heavily on experimental cuts, bold colours, and unreleased looks. We debuted our very first trio bikini set campaign,Β the Pearl Luxe bikini in a new Lilac colour, styled in three variations across top and bottom cuts, offering up to ten mix-and-match combinations. Itβs just a small a peek into whatβs coming across the Lucini line: more flexibility, more fun, and more ways to express yourself.
DAY TWO - SANTORINI STYLES ON ALGARVE SANDS
Following an afternoon of hair and makeup prep, the SM International team and their newest wave of bikini talent made their way down to Praia do Castelo for a golden-hour shoot at 5PM. Being a Saturday, it was slightly more crowded, but that didnβt slow the the momentum. Tom from MCR Media, the lead videographer, worked closely with Zac and the SM International team to capture cinematic shots from every angle, while Owen continued photographing bold new styles in dynamic coastal settings.
As golden hour set in, the Lucini girls slipped out of their beach dresses and into a range of promo-only bikinis, including the debut of the Santorini Opus, a luxe evolution of this yearβs signature design. A powerful group shot featuring four models in Lucini London branded T-shirts brought the day to a spectacular close.
Celebratory Success: Cocktails In Albufeira Old Town
After two back-to-back trips of creativity, collaboration, and incredible content, it was time to let our hair down and raise a glass to the success of the week. The full team, including models, photographers, and creatives, headed into Albufeira, the Algarveβs nightlife hotspot, for a well-deserved evening of cocktails and club vibes.
Amidst the lively atmosphere and the pulse of music spilling out onto the cobbled streets, we celebrated everything we had achieved, unforgettable photos, powerful new content, and beautiful friendships forged in the sun. It was the perfect way to wrap up a truly unforgettable chapter in our Lucini journey.
Real Connections, Real Feedback
This trip wasnβt just about content, it was about connection. Spending time with the SM International team behind the scenes gave us a new appreciation for the immense talent and work ethic behind every shot. From Seanβs creative direction to Owenβs photography mastery, Tomβs visual storytelling, Lauren's flawless make-up artistry, Lynsey's expert hair styling and Zacβs energy and eye for detail, the collaboration was seamless and inspiring. We formed new friendships, shared the Lucini journey, and got invaluable feedback from the models themselves about what works, what wows, and what we can refine.
The Portugal trip was a milestone moment, one that gave us not only incredible content, but unforgettable memories and a renewed sense of creativity and purpose as we look ahead to launching the full 2026 line.
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