What excites you in fashion right now?
Style. Fashion has gone as far as it can, but I feel that people and culture are what drives the conversation. There are so many layers to style that I find intriguing — like self expression, gender, sexuality and change. But then I also love certain people who hold onto tradition, and the idea of the uniform. So that’s why style excites me the most.
What is one reason to be optimistic about the state of fashion going forward?
Change. I do feel that fashion in certain ways is being rewritten. It’s slowly progressing, but you have be optimistic about those who can create a shift in the landscape of fashion in some way. Social change within the industry is one of the most stimulating things I’m excited about.
Do trends still matter?
Honestly, no, but they help guide people who rely on them on social media. Passionates who buy designers' clothes especially on social media thrive on trend-related fashion. Those who work in the System don’t care so much about trends.
Given current uncertainties, in what ways do you see brands/houses effectively driving business growth?
Understanding different markets and demographics. Certain brands have understood very well how to appeal to a broader audience through storytelling and merchandising. The message behind the brand and the products matter more than anything. You have to stand for something, and it must play a role in someone’s life.
How do you see designers sparking and sustaining desire today?
Like I mentioned before, storytelling is key. Releasing a campaign or dressing a celebrity isn’t enough. There’s a great deal to consider when you’re carefully trying to sustain a brand’s relevance and desirability: the market it’s targeting; the celebrities and influencers you align with; your connection with your consumer; visual engagement, etc.
What aspect of your work is most fulfilling?
Establishing an emotional connection. Whether it's with a person or with a garment, it’s such a rare emotion to feel a certain way about anything. We’ve been so bombarded with visuals in the digital age that it becomes such a privilege when you connect on an emotional level.
What is your favourite way to compliment someone’s style?
Taking someone’s photo I think is the ultimate compliment because you found how they dressed that day to look somewhat visually pleasing. I don’t think it needs to be announced to the person; sometimes the best photos that capture style are candid.
In what ways is AI impacting your work?
I'm not going to lie: it's helped streamline my work and, in certain ways, informed it. From a more technical point of view, it gives photographers so much freedom to play around with.
You’ve been depicting people’s style on the streets for 20 years. Have you seen an evolution in aesthetic?
Of course, without a doubt. The direction of fashion was shaped more on a macro level before the digital age, but now moves at an accelerated rate, and there are more microtrends constantly being dictated to us. People are much more informed because fashion is now part of pop culture, and it has collectively informed and shaped how style has evolved.
Which changes have you noticed in Paris’ street style, and what are the most exciting aspects of Parisian style?
There’s more awareness around the idea of dressing in regards to certain generations. Everyone has access to a camera through their phones, so everyone feels the need to document what they’re wearing for themselves and public validation. However, older generations haven’t been affected by this change and they continue to dress for themselves and they appear unaffected by the constant trend cycles on fashion. I always look forward to spotting those rare individuals who look like they stepped out of an old film or the pages of a classic book. They’re the true pillars of Parisian style.
This interview has been lightly edited.
