Photography

Mr. Jeanloup Sieff

| Design & Culture by Ed

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In honour of the World Photo Day, here’s a post devoted to one of the most intriquing image makers – and one of my all-time favourites – Jeanloup Sieff. Born in Paris, Jeanloup Sieff received a camera for his 14th birthday and since that moment he had a passionate love affair with it. Throughout his career, he introduced an innovative feel of eroticism to fashion photography that traditionally used to represent stiff, ice-cold models. In his hands, the camera adored the sitters and vice versa, making the shoot feel like more like a flirt. Often emphasizing a specific area of the body – mostly backs and bottoms – Jeanloup Sieff believed that ‘sometimes, the face is not interesting when the body is. Sometimes the face is a distraction.’

With his wide-angle black and white images, the French photographer caught the dramatic potential of light and shadow while he often added a touch of humour to his pictures, playing with situations and his, lets not hide the fact, sexy sitters. Obsessed by women like Françoise Hardy or Mia Farrow, Jeanloup Sieff also captured one of fashion photography’s most legendary male nude – the controversial image of Yves Saint Laurent in 1971, for his perfume Y. Also, one can’t forget the couple-shot of Jane and Serge, the up-to-now epytome of French love.

 

Visiting Toruń

| Design & Culture by Ed

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Toruń is one of the oldest cities in Poland, which over centuries was the home for people of diverse backgrounds and religions. Back in the Medieval times, the city was considered the most culturally and technologically advanced centre in Europe. Moreover, during the World War II, Toruń appeared to be one of the few cities in the country, which was left with no damage. No wonder why the Old Town, fully preserved, looks so beautiful and breathes with its history up to now. Nearly every building here is made of brick, while the churches (the cathedral, dating back to 1236, is a must-see!) are  untouched. Walking down the sun-drenched streets, you wonder whether you’re strolling around Brugge or an old Tuscan village…

If you’re here for one day, make sure to visit the District Museum (or Toruń Regional Museum), which is located in the historic Rathaus. The ground floor is an impressive collection of Gothic art and local craftsmanship, while the upper floors hold paintings of Polish artists from XVIII to XX century. Currently, there’s an exhibition of modern art, which presents some of Zdzisław Beksiński, Władysław Hasior and Łukasz Korolkiewicz’s rare works.

In case of culinary experiences, Toruń is recognised for its famous gingerbread. But if you want something less clichéd, try a more niche, off-the-crowd spots. Od Dechy Do Dechy is a cozy, book-filled bar with signature beers, home-made pastries and coffee. Sometimes, they sell second-hand books and vinyls. Perfect place to chill after a busy day.

To sum up, Toruń is totally worth a stay, especially in the summer!

Photos by Edward Kanarecki.

#InstaLOVE – July 2017

| Design & Culture by Ed

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@paloma_powers

I am an Instagram maniac and I openly confess that I spend too much time on filtering my feed. But it’s irresistible, when you have so many great accounts to follow! If you’re ready for a dose of beautifully curated walls, inspiring photos and delightful shots – see my July recommendations!

@juliendys / For a reason, Julien D’Ys (or ‘Juju’, as Linda Evangelista likes to say) is called the hair-magician. The legendary coiffeur is known for his incredible hairstyles and colossal wigs seen at Comme Des Garçons, and lately has been on everybody’s lips after Azzedine Alaïa presented his haute couture collection with statuesque Nefertiti head-sculptures (as seen on Naomi Campbell). Once you follow Julien, you will become obsessed with his impressively emotional paintings and blurry photos of people on the streets.

@vanravenstein / Van Ravenstein is Amsterdam’s go-to store for Ann Demeulemeester, Vetements, Junya Watanabe and Dries Van Noten – in other words, fashion’s real pearls. Moody showroom snaps and styling tricks quaranteed.

@paloma_powers / An endless mood-board of ‘new type art agency’. Bold throwbacks of Cher on stage or lounging Charlotte Rampling on a red sofa. Must-follow!

AND, if you want to follow one more account on Instagram… why don’t you follow, ta-da, @designandculturebyed?

#InstaLOVE – June 2017

| Design & Culture by Ed

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@vogueparisarchives

I am an Instagram maniac and I openly confess that I spend too much time on filtering my feed. But it’s irresistible, when you have so many great accounts to follow! If you’re ready for a dose of beautifully curated walls, inspiring photos and delightful shots – see my June recommendations!

@loudoillon / The French singer’s doodles and captured moments, whether featuring her escape to Bretagne or a throwback pic with mum (read: Jane Birkin). A summer must-follow!

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@papoozband / Ok, French musicians have the best feeds. Papooz’s Ulysse Cottin (lead guitar, vocals) and Armand Penicaut (rhythm guitar) are partners in their proffesional and private life. Lately, they’ve released the ultimate chill-out track (accompanying a dreamy video clip filmed in Japan) Good Times on Earth. What to expect from their Instagram? Lots of behind-the-stage fun.

@vogueparisarchives / Chic-ness. From early Inez & Vinoodh editorials to a Sofia Coppola shoot, this feed has the finest of Vogue Paris.

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@mollymgoddard / Molly Goddard is London’s beloved girl. The fashion designer is praised for her great love for anything tulle and for making princess-dresses have a comeback to the industry. The picture above was taken minutes before LVMH Prize Awards last Friday (unfortunately, she didn’t win the main prize…). Still, that dress on the right is love.

AND, if you want to follow one more account on Instagram… why don’t you follow, ta-da, @designandculturebyed?