Paris: Musee Rodin
Inspiration: I've never seen anything like the scene outside of the Christian Dior show. The show is held in Musee Rodin, which is located on rue de Varenne, a narrow street in the heart of Paris. The street was lined, almost wall to wall, with a mix of photographers trying like hell to get a clean shot of the fashion insiders and anyone else who looked interesting, fashion insiders trying like hell to get into the show through throngs of photographers, people who dress for fashion week trying like hell to attract the attention of photographers, police officers trying like hell to clear the streets of people so that cars could get through, and tourists and passersby who were trying like hell to figure out why the Rodin museum was closed to them and what the hell was going on in the middle of the street.
Near the entrance to the museum, people became sardines - squashed one upon the other, yet moving in different directions, adding to the chaos that was the prelude to the Christian Dior show. Maybe the rumor (has it been confirmed?) that Marc Jacobs will leave Vuitton to take the helm at CD added to popularity of the event. It was in this environment -- one in which I was almost no longer a photographer but a harried and stressed human (in high heels that had suddenly become the most painful things on earth) just trying to find a place to stand in agony but in peace -- that I spotted Olivia Palermo making her way toward the entrance. My lens was so close to her face that I was sure it would not focus. But focus it did. My trusty 5d Mk II and 50mm 1.2 delivered me just one portrait shot of Olivia before her bodyguard created a space for her in the crowds and she disappeared.
For the color version of this photo, check out The Photodiarist in Color.
And what a BRILLIANT shot it is! The reflection of the crowd on her glasses (LOVE that shape!), her incredible long lashes (extensions?). Gorgeous!
xx
Posted by: Brigadeiro | September 30, 2011 at 10:29 PM
You are so lucky! I really love the black and white version, but I love the green of her earrings. Such a stylish woman! Wonderful photo!
Victoria Marie
http://victoriainjapanland.blogspot.com
Posted by: Victoria Marie | October 1, 2011 at 01:19 AM
you have described this scene to near perfection. I enjoyed every second of it! sweet portrait btw.
Posted by: the nyanzi report | October 1, 2011 at 02:37 AM
So nice to meet you. keep up the great work and enjoy Paris!
Posted by: Wayne Tippetts | October 1, 2011 at 05:06 AM
very very elegant!
camilla
Posted by: Camilla THINGS COLLECTION | October 1, 2011 at 08:42 AM
What a beautiful photograph and a beautiful blog!
Posted by: JoannaLBaker | October 1, 2011 at 08:55 AM
Gorgeous.
Great shot.
Probably my favorite moment you've found.
Posted by: AmyK | October 1, 2011 at 11:40 AM
Great story! The black and white photo is wonderful...
Posted by: minor | October 1, 2011 at 12:09 PM
Great shot indeed! It's one of my favorites of yours!! I like both versions...to the point I cannot decide which one is better!
Posted by: Anna | October 1, 2011 at 01:54 PM
this is definitely one of my favourite shots you've done!!
Posted by: lindsay | October 2, 2011 at 01:43 AM
She's beautiful, I love your sunglasses and her style. The picture is very nice! Frances www.theafternoontea.it
Posted by: Theafternoontea | October 3, 2011 at 05:35 AM
Great reflections in the glases. She was a great villain on The City, but I've not kept up with her since.
Posted by: Kris Koeller | October 3, 2011 at 05:56 PM
Stunning!
Posted by: Ingrid | October 9, 2011 at 10:50 AM