THE DESERT COLLECTIVE is inspired by the collaboration of creative citizens, artists, dreamers and wanderers from across the globe, forever curious, fun and young at heart. It all started in Palm Springs, where writer Shannon Harley was on assignment for QANTAS and delicious. magazine. She checked in to The Amado, photographer Jaime Kowal’s luxe mid-century modern boutique hotel that is part of her collection of high-end, design-forward travel destinations and properties across California and Canada (the country she originally hails from). When the two met up for an interview later that hot Palm Springs afternoon over an Aperol spritz at the Parker hotel, creative sparks were flying from the outset and they immediately hit it off with the familiarity of old friends – this is how their Content Services collaboration was born.

After this energetic chance meeting at the Parker – and subsequent collaborations in the USA, Italy, Mexico and Africa in the following months – ​it was inevitable that Shannon and Jaime would officially team up based on their shared values, perspective, lifestyle and complementary skill set.

With a background in fashion and fine art, Jaime’s 17-year career as a freelance photographer and boutique hotelier has taken her to over 30 countries spanning six continents, providing travel and lifestyle imagery for commercial and editorial clients including The New York Times, Vogue Living Australia, Dwell, Wallpaper, Condé Nast Traveler and GOOP.

Shannon, who is the former managing editor of delicious. magazine, has 15+ years’ experience as a successful magazine editor, columnist, editorial consultant and content creator across a variety of platforms, including: television, print, digital, book publishing, social and not-for-profit food education training, most recently working on the launch of UKHarvest in London. She is from Sydney, but has lived in London – a city dear to her heart – and, most recently, Italy, where she spent a year in the Piedmont countryside (hello truffles and Barolo!) acquiring a Master of Gastronomy at the world-renowned slow-food University of Gastronomic Sciences.

Together, Shannon and Jaime offer a unique and complete editorial package of compelling storytelling combining words and imagery as they travel the world for The Desert Collective. Their offering is highly curated and intelligent travel content, which distils essential information into stylish travel guides. The duo are committed to going one step further to provide a responsible primer to global destinations, highlighting those pioneering in the realms of sustainability, social responsibility, equality and creative arts. This is essential travel know-how for the modern, conscious traveller seeking a uniquely enjoyable, meaningful and mindful experience.

Click here to get in touch with The Desert Collective for bespoke content and commissions.