Into the deep end: Kimberly Stewart

No stranger to fashion shoots, Friday was just another day on set for model-turned-designer Kimberly Stewart.

A stylist sifts busily through racks of colourful designer gear. Make-up artists arrange brushes in ascending size order. And a photographer studies the natural light options.

Only this time when the flash goes off the socialite and daughter of British singer Rod will be holding her breath, submerged in a swimming pool trying her best to look fabulous underwater.

"I had no idea I could be underwater for so long," she said smiling as the make-up genius Claire Roddie retouched everything from eyeliner to lip gloss.

Following in the footsteps of celebrities like Keira Knightley, Lily Cole, Kelly Brook and Mica Paris, Stewart took the plunge in aid of fresh2o, a global campaign to raise awareness about the lack of clean water in countries around the world.

"I am really enjoying myself. It's such a great experience and for such a good cause. I am honoured to have been asked to help."

A far cry from the usual lavish facilities on a London or LA set, a modest gazebo housed the essentials, while a small team ran to and fro from the water's edge.

Cool drinks on ice may be the extent of the buffet, however, a stunning location and glorious sunshine somehow seems to make up for anything the spread lacks.

Poolside at Abu Dhabi's newest hotel, the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, the water glistens across the brand new infinity pool, the capital's Shaikh Zayed Mosque the perfect backdrop.

Candice — photographer, diver and founder of fresh2o — appears as if from nowhere in the centre of the pool, regulator in her mouth, oxygen tank ready to go and mask in place.

Challenging shoot

Meanwhile, Stewart and the celebrity stylist Arabella Boyce work on the first look of the day. "We've gone bright and colourful and in contrast black and white to see what works best," said Boyce, looking effortlessly stylish in white combat trousers and a linen shirt.

"This shoot has been such a challenge, mainly as I have to get the designers to agree to give me the clothes with a chance they might not be returned in the condition they were picked up," she laughed. "There's always a chance they may get ruined in the water, so we have to borrow clothes from people who are willing to help the cause as much as Kimberly is."

After a little deliberation, a black and white dress from Topshop is selected and it's a few steps to the make-up counter to perfect a look which sets off the outfit.

"All my powers of bargaining are needed when it comes to the jewellery, as there are few designers who will part with their jewels when they find out they are heading into H2O."

Luckily Loree Rodkin and Pussy Glamore were open-minded and kind enough to make sure Stewart was armed with jewellery and accessories to complement the outfits.

A silver ring which runs the length of her whole finger catches the light and reflects off the walls of the poolside bar as she steps into the water for the first time.

A serious cause it may be, but it's anything but serious when it comes to the girls on set. Eyebrows raised, asking a question without the need for words, Boyce waves a pair of black, patent knee-high boots and laughs. "That dress should really be worn with boots," she giggles.

As everyone starts to relax into the shoot, Kimberly and Candice naturally become more tense as the first shots are moments away.

The pair submerge, Candice with her camera in a giant bubble which could easily be mistaken for a spacecraft from the set of Thunderbirds.

A deep breath allows Stewart to stay underwater for almost 20 seconds, clutching the leg of a pool bar stool.

Two guys stand waist-deep, ensuring her safety and Candice has a healthy supply of oxygen. No such comfort for Stewart, who fights every natural instinct and resists the urge to rub the water from her face.

"The make-up is real challenge for a shoot like this because of the water," said Roddie. "We have to use more make-up than usual and try and stick to oil-based products, as they don't run in the water. M.A.C is usually very good."

The hours roll by as time almost lacks significance and it's easy to understand how these photoshoots — often reported to last up to 12 hours — take the time they do.

Regular cigarette and water breaks (and sneaky peeks at the underwater snaps) add to keeping the spirits high.

"We are so grateful to these stars who enlist to bring the fresh2o message to the world," said Candice, unzipping her shorty wetsuit for a quick breather.

"They have their portraits taken holding their breath underwater to highlight the essential need for global access to the simplest human commodity."

Then follows a surreal moment as Stewart — who was set to attend the Grand Prix Ball Abu Dhabi last night, an event in aid of fresh2o — made stepping into a chlorine-filled pool in a strapless cocktail dress look perfectly normal.

And just as swimming pool-induced red eyes set in, the team looked relieved as that clichéd phrase from shoots all over came from the water — "That's a wrap!"