From Inès de la Fressange to Charlotte Gainsbourg, French fashion has always embraced the rebellious privileged classes--it’s an Amélie-esque world both raunchy and aristocratic, wrapped in nothing but Chanel tweed and macarons.
Which is not to say this perspective hasn’t led to beautiful imagery. But to locals, it might feel a tad slanted. Dior’s runway might be all-white, but France is a multicultural nation. From the May ‘68 student revolts to recent angst-led riots in the banlieues, resonant street life occupies a key place in collective memories.
The latest issue of Antidote--an annual coffee table-like magazine shot entirely by a single photographer—-focuses on the street. Rather than being a spectator of ‘high’ fashion, Antidote celebrates urban life as something that ignites sartorial energy.
