Parisienne en été: an ode to Paris at the Cité de la Mode et du Design

Swimming in the Seine, near Pont-Neuf. Paris, circa 1935 © Gaston Paris / Roger-Viollet

More Parisian than Inès de la Fressange, the Seine remains unchallenged. A cult river, it is witness to the evolution of the capital, which for centuries has welcomed vacationers, visitors and Parisians alike… A story told in images today through the “Parisienne en été” exhibition presented by the Société Parisienne de Photographie in Les Docks at the Cité de la Mode et du Design.

For this exceptional exhibition, La Parisienne de Photographie invites you to discover Paris and its banks of the Seine in a journey through time. Bringing together images dating from 1880 to the 1960s, the exhibition highlights the work of photographers from the Roger-Viollet and Léon & Lévy agencies, who, in turn, covered all that the capital had to offer in the way of entertainment, against the backdrop of the Seine. Photographs that invite us to reminisce and relax, featuring holidaymakers and dandies in convertibles, as well as cyclists and women in hats. Gaston Paris takes us to the Molitor swimming pool to watch the famous pin-up contests of the 1930s, Robert Delhay observes the little sailing enthusiasts in the Tuileries, and Boris Liptnizki brilliantly captures fashion and models on the quays.

“The city offers itself to those who stroll through it: locals, tourists, ice-cream vendors, booksellers, preachers and smiles… you can relax, have fun…” comments Delphine Desveaux, Director of Collections Roger-Viollet. A true artistic stroll that crosses the ages with carefree happiness.

A nugget to discover until October 6, 2013 with free access at the Cité de la Mode et du Design.

Les Docks – Cité de la Mode et du Design – 34, quai d’Austerlitz Paris 13

www.parisenimages.fr www.roger-viollet.fr

Cette publication est également disponible en : Français (French)