The perfect storm.
In April all of the elements came together. Jill Devries (an amazing photographer friend from Grand Rapids) was visiting Europe. Her time in Paris happened to overlap with that of Jenn Elliot Blake (an amazing stylist / blogger friend from Seattle). We knew that we absolutely had to create something together.
I pulled work from a few designers I knew- bracelets from Ursul, and printed textiles from Nash Prints It, designed by the lovely Petit Shade.
A few weeks before I had wandered into the atelier of Springsioux. I don't know how to describe what I discovered there, but it was the perfect mixture of authenticity (buzz word much) and style. It was a room of black and white garments- extreme pieces- mostly by French and Russian designers. The owners / founders are legitimately kind and gracious people, clearly building a community as much as a brand. Even in that first meeting I knew that I had to collaborate with them.
... and of course then Jenn and Jill showed up, so it all came together.
We arrived early in the morning to the Springsioux shop on the rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie- preparing for the shoot and drinking coffee and chatting about the clothing. I had an idea of the feel of the shoot, but we were building something together, so after the moodboard and putting together a few outfits, we all worked together. We shot nearby at the Archives, but also in the surrounding streets of the Marais. My friend Kegham was along with us too, giving tips and hanging out. It is always good to have an extra set of eyes when one is both styling and modeling. Jenn was a little nervous modeling, but her natural elegance shone through.
This month, I will be gradually sharing the rest of the Springsioux shoot. There are some truly magnificent images. I can only attempt to describe what it is like to collaborate with such good-hearted people. It is a rush like the perfect tennis match, or a very solid musical performance... shooting with these amazingly talented folks is communal... it is as much sharing as creating. It is a humbling honor.
Jonathan Randall Grant // Culture Keeper
