Elli Ioannou slips along the fringes of Paris Fashion Week, around its milling exotics, onto its raucous risers, into its back-rue salons hosted by Aussie designers (both seasoned and hopeful). Every day this week, Voxfrock will post another treat from the lense and pen of this elegant observer of All Things Fashionable. Jot “Elli’s Paris, A/W 2016” into your Kikki K won’t you? and check back daily for her fresh perspectives of Akira Isogawa, Lui Hon, Kit Willow Podgornik (with Heidi Middleton), Kym Ellery, Issey Miyake and the lesser known Will Hanigan, a pearler from W.A. bound for Parisian glory. Today, we’re excited to kick off this rare week with Elli’s view of the Valentino white carpet. Bon Appetit…(Words and photographs: Elli Ioannou)
Security was heightened in Paris following the terrorist attacks in November, with Mode a Paris stating on all its schedules that no venue would be publicised prior to its show. Given the swarms of photographers outside most shows including Valentino’s however, clearly the street style photographers were becoming more resourceful at circumventing such restrictions.
That day, the sun finally shone through after a mostly wet and grey Paris Fashion Week. And, the Valentino crew thoughtfully laid out a white carpet winding from the street into its show in Espace Éphémère Tuileries.
Show guests were a visual feast; finally some colour and flair. (Yes, mainly all Valentino from head to toe but, who would complain?) They wore all hues; bright greens, pale greens, bright reds, pale salmon, golds, and printed coats, suede panel skirts, studded coats and fur.
Press and fans lined up at the white ‘runway’ in what felt like the Oscars of the fashion world.
Yes, these guests do expect the attention and most are obliging in a quick stop and a pose! But, as a photographer, you still need to be fast and assertive to set up a shot that is slightly different. When the guests are all gone, there are also the young models leaving after their job is over. In fact, there is a whole sub-culture dedicated to photographing them.
The new paparazzi are not mean, invasive or rude; they are avid photography enthusiasts including many professionals getting a start in Paris.
Thanks to social media and digital technology, this once strictly “industry only” event is now accessible to a wider audience, whether it’s for a publication, or a blog or simply a personal FB post.
Streetstyle photography is no longer ‘true street style’ but more of a performance, an act in which both subject and photographer are consenting participants referencing all the classic components of fashion and fashion photography: self expression, beauty, fantasy.
Welcome to the streets of Paris during Paris Fashion Week; the new theatre of fashion!
Elli Ioannou, info@voxfrock.com.au
