Bewitched by a scene of a woman exquisitely dressed, a glamorous bohemian…
It was a TV advertisement filmed in Paris back in the 1980s. And while I don’t remember what it was for, this woman I will never forget! She seemed to have just left a party and was walking seductively across the glorious Pont Alexandre III at dawn.
This scene filled me with a pleasurable envy and a desire that perhaps one day I could be this woman too.
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Many years later…
Finally, came the time when Kent and I would visit Paris together. It was this June actually. Well, way before our journey to France, Kent had heard me expressing my endless admiration of this ornate Parisian landmark – Pont Alexandre III; which included that advertisement from the ’80s. And we had looked at many pictures too, trying to find an image or film clip of that elusive memory, all without success.
‘We should do a night shoot here when all these lights are on.’ Kent seemed to have a vision as we strolled across Pont Alexandre III together.
Of course I happily agreed. But timing did not allow, we were soon to head for Lyon and the beautiful wine region of Beaujolais, then back to Lyon again for a few days before coming back to Paris.
By the time we had returned, all the outfits prepared for this trip were photographed, some even multiple times. So I found myself on a mission to select a new dress and style an ensemble for this fashion story.
When it comes to shopping in the City of Light, the department stores Printemps and Galeries Lafayette are my favourite destinations. The best thing is, they are almost right next door to each other. The moment I spotted this Pinko number in Galeries Lafayette – ‘GREEN WITH ENVY!!!’ – it screamed to me. ‘Ah! How fabulous!’ I thought. After all, this is a story about envy and admiration; plus I adored the dramatic bell-sleeve of the dress. I thought the drama would compliment the ostentatiously adorned Pont Alexandre III.
Our last eight days in Paris went very fast, and although I had picked my outfit, we always seemed to have somewhere to go, something to see, a bistro to try… And so it was not until our very last night in Paris that we were able to make these long awaited pictures happen.
It showered that day. After nearly a month of sunshine in France wherever we went, now it decided to shower on our last day in Paris! Well that actually did us a favour, as the rain had cleared, stormy and moody clouds added a more dramatic sky and mystery to the scene. The rest? Well since we’ve all heard the old saying: ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’, I will let the pictures do the talking.
I had wished and imagined our Pont Alexandre III By Night Photoshoot would be bold, dashing and theatrical, and thanks to Kent who understood all these elements of photography; had what it takes to deliver and to transform this dreamer’s fantasy into a reality so that this story could be proudly told.
Photography / Kent Johnson
Styling / Vivienne She
Outfit Of The Night
Roberto Cavalli sunglasses
The Two Mrs Grenvilles earrings
Pinko dress
Omega watch
Masterpiece Opal & Gems ring (right hand)
Reverie ring (left hand)
Sonia Rykiel handbag
Antonio Barbato heels
One of the shades I love a lot! Emerald looks great on you and those sleeves are too good. Wishing you a great week ahead! xx
Andreea,
http://couturezilla.com/
Thank you for your lovely feedback Andreea. Enjoy the rest of your week too! x x
What an evening and what a photoshoot – Thanks Vivienne for all kinds of wonderful! oxoxo
Thank you Kent. The feeling is mutual. X
hi Vivienne, first time i read your blog, it was great i signed up! will follow your instagram too!
Thank you Charlotte. Much appreciated! X
Hello Viv,
Green is normally a difficult colour to use, it is more likely to be associated with being too bold. Yet this green dress on you works like spring, empowering hope, and inviting the night sky of Paris to play. How very lovely, Vivienne! You and Kent recapturing a lost ad in the 80’s and retelling its story in wonders.
I’m so very happy to hear from you Margie. Your wonderful compliments and feedback have put a big smile on my face. THANK YOU! X
What a spectacular photo shoot!
ANOUK
Thank you Anouk! X
That colour is great on you and I love the shots the two of you created. Such a lovely trip and so fun to finally experience the city you’ve dreamt so much about! 🙂 xx
Thank you Jessica. 🙂 It’s always lovely to hear from you! X
Wow Vivienne,
You’re so pretty on Pont Alexandre III by night!
I love your dress.
Hugs
Thank you for your sweet feedback Claire. X
Found your blog through Pinterest… You look stunning in this Emerald green number! I am “green with envy”!! 😉
Thank you Michelle. I’m flattered! X
Heading to Paris myself.. This photo-shoot is such an inspiration! Love every frame of it and you look like a shining STAR!!!
Thank you for your lovely compliments Betty. Enjoy Pont Alexandre III and Paris! X