“In winter, the elegant ladies wore fur coats that were fitted and cut in such a unique manner, that one could immediately recognize each designer's signature. In the summer, printed dresses made of Lyon silk, combined in rare color harmonies, impeccably made-up faces, protected by flowery capelines illuminated the grey-blue city after sunset. Fragrance trails accompanied these beautiful passers-by. Chanel's N°5 or Guerlain's Chant d'Arômes. To decipher and to recognize them was a magical feeling. The proportions, the balance, the refinement, the purity of the lines of the French creations embodied a rare harmony.”
~ Janine Niépce
(1921 – 2007)
French photographer, Janine Niépce was a member of the post-war “humanist” movement in photography. Born and raised in Paris, she experienced the rise of modernity and resulting change to the Parisian and French lifestyle. This influence is evident in her work, as she photographed France through political change, reconstruction and tradition. A major advocate for the women's movement, women in all their beauty and power are prolific in the breadth of Niépce's photographs.