Moody Paris

I realise I have been really remiss in not blogging my Paris photos sooner, but it's been a funny old week so I'm hoping doing it now might perk me up a bit. I'm also hoping my internet connection will stay for long enough to do this (now my third attempt).

Paris was grey, damp, dirty and moody...

...but it was also illuminated and filled with a heavy presence I can't describe. During a visit to Notre Dame I would have liked to linger a while, but we had so much to see.

At Les Arts Decoratifs we visited the Jean Paul Goude exhibition 'Goudemalion'. Exploring fashion and body image and image as promotion. I was fascinated by his concept of 'French Correction' and enjoyed looking at his working process through sketchbooks and hand manipulation of images.

Jean Paul Goude

Jean Paul Goude

This mechanical figure in the same exhibition also fascinated me, I could have watched the seemingly endless figures whirling around their mirrored room all day. I loved the way the visual effect was complimented by the sound as cards had been placed to catch on the 'spokes'.

Jean Paul Goude

In Kenzo's shop window in Place des Victoire this simple display caught my eye. Using line to create connections around the space, some used thread tied to map pins, others were printed or drawn and another layer appeared on the glass to create a complex 3D effect; stitching through space. Simple use of block colour created a dramatic effect.

On Sunday morning the lure of the flea markets took us to Marche aux Puces St-Oeun Clignancourt. A dazzling array of antiques and vintage finds, but on the whole I was dissappointed at the attitude of the sellers, who were often incredibly rude. A notable exception to this was Tombees du Camion, who also have other shops in Paris. There we were welcome to pick things up, take photos and prices were clearly marked; I loved the completely mad selection of objects they had and their displays were outrageous.

Tombees du Camion 

Tombees du Camion

Tombees du Camion

Tombees du Camion

Thanks to the two young French women who came to my rescue during a verbal tirade by one particularly grumpy stallholder, I hope they found the wedding dress they were searching for!

There is more but it will have to wait for another day.