Ethereal young girls with messy chignons; strong, deep eyes… Paolo Roversi's women are undeniable. His images defy time, possessing the quality and aura of the early daguerreotypes and autochromes of the late 19th century while showcasing the greatest top models and the most cutting-edge fashion of the time. In his images, currently on display in a groundbreaking exhibition at the Palais Galliera, we see name after evocative name, face after iconic face: Yamamoto, Comme des Garçons, Galliano, Alaïa... Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Guinevere Van Seenus, Inès de la Fressange, Natalia Vodianova... All of them have passed through the mythical Studio Luce, in the 14th arrondissement in Paris. This unassuming building in a quiet cobblestone street, is where we meet him to about his youth, his work, and how Marie Claire changed his life.
You know, the ingredients of fashion photography are fashion itself, of course, so it's elegance. And at the same time beauty, women, the beauty of women, the relationships between women and fashion and clothing. It's this mix that is magical to me.
Paolo Roversi
