Photos of Paris in the 1920s

I though I should share these beautifully dramatic black and white photos of Paris in the 1920s, taken by Pierre-Yves Petit, better known simply as Yvon, so we can all feel like travelling back in time. Yvon wandered the streets of Paris, capturing the city's iconic charm and beauty at its best. Such enchanting images became popular postcards in France, contributing to immortalize the Parisian essence we all are fascinated with.

"Mod Couples", a photographic project by Carlotta Cardana

“Mod Couples” is an ongoing personal project on couples who belong to the Mod scene, a subculture that originated in Britain in the late 1950s and became very popular during the 1960s. It is quite difficult to pin down what lies at the heart of this movement as it has evolved in many different ways during the years and morphed into different subcultures. All Mods, however, share a passion for everything related to the 1950s and the 1960s, especially the clothes and the music.

While their style is what catches the eye at first, my interest in developing this project goes well beyond their appearance. As a matter of fact, even if all the couples regularly attend various Mod events, they might have different influences in their style. The subculture and all of its elements – the fashion, the music, the scooters,… – only provide the framework for this series. From an outsider’s point of view, I am trying to get a glimpse of their identity beyond the “mask” and to portray them for who they are, rather than for what they wear.

I decided to focus on couples because I am fascinated by the way their identities blend together to produce something larger than the sum of its parts. Within the formality required by shooting with a medium format camera, I don’t “direct” the couples by asking them to pose in a specific way. Instead, I let them assume a pose that feels natural to them. I believe that in the subtleties of their posture, a lot is revealed about themselves – as individuals and as a couple.

I am also quite interested in the relationship between a person and his or her surrounding environment, in seeing how they complement each other. Consequently, I took elaborate planning out of the equation when making these pictures: the couples chose what to wear and where to be photographed. The world depicted in the pictures is entirely the world they have created for themselves.

I am besotted with this project. These couples are beyond stylish, look at them! The chic cuts, the sophisticated outfits, the classic hairstyling... I am so into this British Invasion meets Mad Men costume design sort of thing, you know. I wish I could sneak into their wardrobe at night and steal all those marvellous pieces - I'm all up for a textile raid.

Rosaspina Vintage AW 2013

Photography courtesy of Rosaspina Vintage

Rosaspina Vintage A/W 2013 collection is an autumnal fairytale with the quintessential amount of retro charm! It clearly features some early 60's inspired frocks, pleated skirts, rich fabrics, a timeless classic cut, layers of warm hues and pretty collars. There is even this charismatic, whimsical cape, reminiscent of Little Red Riding Hood! These pieces are so classy and somewhat preppy, yet so juvenile in a positively sober fashion. Once again, well done, Ale!

If you feel like shopping, feel free to do it in here.

Playlist: Yé-Yé!

Yé-yé was a style of pop music that emerged from France, Italy and Spain in the early 1960s. The term "yé-yé" derived from "yeah! yeah!". The style expanded worldwide, due to the success of figures such as the French singer-songwriter Serge Gainsbourg.