Post-war Paris brought a blossoming of culture and thought. The Nouvelle Vague transformed French cinema, young couturiers reinvigorated French fashion, existentialism flourished in literature and philosophy, and the city swung and swayed to a vibrant jazz and rock ’n’ roll scene. In the middle of it all, was Paul Almasy. The well-traveled photojournalist, born inContinue reading “25 Amazing Color Photographs of Paris in the 1950s”
Category Archives: France
The Amazing Story of Alla Ilchun, the Kazakh Muse of Christian Dior
Alla Ilchun (1926 – March 8, 1989) was the first Euro-Asian model who has worked for twenty years at Dior. She was famous for her waist of 49 cm and eyeliner arrows. Information about the family and the ancestors of Alla Ilchun is not very much preserved. Her father, Zhuanhal Ilchun, was allegedly a railwayContinue reading “The Amazing Story of Alla Ilchun, the Kazakh Muse of Christian Dior”
15 Stunning Black and White Photos of 18-Year-Old Brigitte Bardot Dancing on a Roof in Paris, 1952
Brigitte Bardot was 18 years old when these pictures were taken in 1952 by photographer Walter Carone. She had excelled in dance as a child and won a place at the Conservatoire de Paris, where she was trained in classical French ballet. Her modeling career began in 1947. By 1952 she had already graced theContinue reading “15 Stunning Black and White Photos of 18-Year-Old Brigitte Bardot Dancing on a Roof in Paris, 1952”
Romantic Photographs of Dalida and Alain Delon in the Garden of Their House in Montmartre, 1972
Alain Delon is one of the most popular actors of his generation. During his career, he also befriended countless stars… But not only. His conquests are numerous. But her love affair with Dalida has long fascinated her admirers. As a reminder, the duo knew each other before being famous. They have always encouraged each otherContinue reading “Romantic Photographs of Dalida and Alain Delon in the Garden of Their House in Montmartre, 1972”
Photos of Jane Birkin at Home in 1971
A native of London, Jane Birkin began her career as an actress, appearing in minor roles in Michelangelo Antonioni’s Blowup (1966), and Kaleidoscope (1966). In 1968, she met Serge Gainsbourg while co-starring with him in Slogan, which marked the beginning of a years-long working and personal relationship. After separating from Gainsbourg in 1980, Birkin continuedContinue reading “Photos of Jane Birkin at Home in 1971”
Camille du Gast, the First Woman to Race Consistently at International Level
“The danger of an accident is always present in my mind, though I am never afraid.” – Camille du Gast, Motor Monthly, Dec. 1903. Camille du Gast (1868–1942) became the first woman to race consistently at international level in 1904. After witnessing the start of the Paris-Lyon road race, the following year she was satContinue reading “Camille du Gast, the First Woman to Race Consistently at International Level”
30 Vintage Photographs Capture Scenes at a Fun Fair in Paris, 1935
Fishing Boats on the Seine, in Paris
Until the early 1960s, there were still fishing boats in the heart of Paris which, along the quays of the Seine, were sought after by photographers. A romantic Paris, with old-fashioned charm…
25 Color Photographs Capture the Fall of Paris in 1940
On June 14, 1940, Parisians awaken to the sound of a German-accented voice announcing via loudspeakers that a curfew was being imposed for 8 p.m. that evening as German troops enter and occupy Paris. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill had tried for days to convince the French government to hang on, not to sue forContinue reading “25 Color Photographs Capture the Fall of Paris in 1940”
Curious Pair of Shoes Called “Soles” Ardèche From the Late 19th Century
This footwear, called “Soles”, made in the Ardèche region of France in the 19th century. The soles are heavy duty shoes whose soles are studded with sharp blades. They were in wood for the sole, leather for the portion covering the foot and metal for the dents. The soles were used to peel the chestnuts,Continue reading “Curious Pair of Shoes Called “Soles” Ardèche From the Late 19th Century”
