THE EXHIBITION "JEAN-DANIEL LORIEUX, PHOTOGRAPHER BIENHEUREUX" IS A RETROSPECTIVE THAT SPOTLIGHTS THE WORK OF A FASHION AND ART PHOTOGRAPHY MAESTRO. A MUST-SEE EVENT AT THE FRAGONARD MUSEUM IN GRASSE, FRANCE FROM JUNE 8 TO END OF DECEMBER, IT SERVES UP A TANTALIZING MIX OF IMAGERY, ICONS, AND ALLURE. FASHION'S ELITE CHORUS PRAISES AN UNPARALLELED VIGOR AND ZEAL, UNDERSCORING LORIEUX'S KNACK FOR CAPTURING THE FLEETING ALLURE OF BEAUTY WITH A FLAIR THAT'S TRULY ONE-OF-A-KIND.
In a town famous for its perfume, a different kind of sensory delight awaits this summer. The Fragonard Museum in Grasse, France is hosting an exhibition that promises to be as intoxicating as the finest fragrance. "Jean-Daniel Lorieux, Photographe Bienheureux" is a retrospective that captures the brilliance of a man whose lens has chronicled the intersection of fashion and celebrity for nearly six decades. This exhibit is a celebration of life, glamour, and an indomitable spirit that continues to influence the art and fashion world.
Renowned for his sunny, fashion-forward, and flamboyant snapshots, Jean-Daniel Lorieux stands as an icon in the world of photography. His extraordinary compositions have graced the covers of esteemed publications like Vogue, Madame Figaro, L’Officiel, and Harper’s Bazaar numerous times, captivating audiences with their sheer brilliance and allure. What sets Lorieux apart is not just his impeccable technique, but his penchant for creating extraordinary narratives through his lens. His unconventional staging and bold compositions breathe life into his photographs, transporting viewers into a world where imagination knows no bounds.
Among his vast portfolio, Lorieux has captured a myriad of notable personalities, from political figures like Jacques Chirac and Nelson Mandela to entertainment legends like Frank Sinatra and Sharon Stone. His lens has immortalized the beauty and charisma of supermodels like Claudia Schiffer, Brooke Shields, Karen Mulder, and Laetitia Casta, while also capturing the essence of timeless elegance in figures like Isabelle Adjani, Carla Bruni, and Stéphanie de Monaco. But Lorieux’s talent transcends boundaries of fame and status. Whether photographing royalty, Hollywood stars, or music icons like James Brown, his images radiate with an authenticity that goes beyond mere celebrity. In every frame, Lorieux invites us to journey into a world of glamour, sophistication, and pure joie de vivre.
Born in Paris in 1937, Lorieux’s career began in the prestigious halls of Studio Harcourt in 1964. His tenure as an assistant there was short-lived; his talent quickly propelled him into the spotlight. Embracing color photography at a time when black and white dominated, Lorieux brought a fresh, vibrant perspective to the fashion world.
His work often took him to the sun-drenched islands of the South, where he sought the perfect light and ambiance to complement his subjects. This pursuit of beauty and joy is evident in every photograph, where each model is not just posing but existing within a carefully crafted moment of bliss. In an interview in IRK's Story time issue Jean-Daniel poetically expressed his feelings on dreaming and beauty:
“I WANT TO SHOW THE SKY IS ALWAYS BLUE AT THE END OF THE ROAD, THE WATER IS TURQUOISE, AND THAT WOMEN AND HUMANITY ARE BEAUTIFUL. AND I THINK THAT WE NEED TO DREAM FROM TIME TO TIME”
In an era when models were emerging as true icons, Lorieux’s visionary approach set him apart. His collaborations with fashion houses like Cardin, Lanvin, Céline, Dior, and Paco Rabanne pushed boundaries and redefined aesthetics. His style is unmistakable: a blend of sensuality, provocation, and an irresistible chicness. Whether capturing the elegance of haute couture or the playful, teasing humor of his subjects, Lorieux’s work is always surprising and evocative.
Beyond the world of fashion, Lorieux’s portraits of celebrities are legendary. His kind, empathetic gaze drew many to his lens, including political figures like President Jacques Chirac. Their friendship, sparked in Antibes in 1987, led to Lorieux becoming the official photographer for Chirac’s 1988 legislative campaign, further cementing his place in the annals of photography.
In an afternoon in Jean-Daniel's home in Paris he delighted us with the story of how he first met Jacques Chirac:
"JAQUES CHIRAC APPROACHED THE DRIVERS SIDE OF MY BENTLY AND HE ASKED: 'WHAT YEAR IS THIS CAR?' IN A MARVELED TONE, 'IT’S FROM 1950, MR. LE MINISTRE' – I ANSWERED. AS A SMALL CONVERSATION ABOUT THE CAR DEVELOPED THE PRIME MINISTER UNANTICIPATEDLY ASKED ME 'A FAVOR'. TREMENDOUSLY INTIMIDATED, I ANSWERED 'YES SIR'. 'MAY I TAKE A RIDE WITH YOU IN THE CAR?'- REQUESTED THE PRIME MINISTER. I UNDENIABLY ACCEPTED AND CHIRAC ENTHUSIASTICALLY CALLED BERNADETTE (HIS WIFE) TO COME ALONG WITH THEM FOR THE RIDE. THE COUPLE SAT AT THE BACK OF MY CAR WHILE I DROVE THEM AROUND, CHIRAC PLAYFULLY TURNED UP AND DOWN THE SEPARATING GLASS BETWEEN ME AND THE LOUNGE. AND IT WAS THEN, THAT CHIRAC PRONOUNCED ONE OF THE MOST MEMORABLE COMMENTS I EVER HEARD IN MY LIFETIME: 'AHHH, WHEN I AM AT THE BACK OF A CAR LIKE THIS, WITH BERNADETTE, I FEEL LIKE I AM THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC.”
"Jean-Daniel Lorieux, Photographe Bienheureux" at the Fragonard Museum is more than an exhibition; it is an homage to a life dedicated to capturing the ephemeral beauty of the world. Lorieux’s contribution to fashion photography is immeasurable, his positivity and originality leaving an indelible mark on the industry. The “positive energy” evoked in Jean-Daniel Lorieux’s work is the image of the spirit of the man who says:
“I THINK THAT WE HAVE TO TELL OURSELVES THAT WE ARE HAPPY, AND BECAUSE WE ARE HAPPY GOOD THINGS COME TO US”
For anyone looking to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of Jean-Daniel Lorieux, this exhibition is an unmissable event. It’s a journey through the past and present, seen through the eyes of a man who finds joy in every frame. As you wander through the halls of the Fragonard Museum, you’ll experience firsthand the magic that has made Lorieux a timeless icon in the world of photography.
Jean-Daniel Lorieux's new book will be out in September and available through irkmagazine.com. You may even discover some images shot exclusively for IRK Magazine in his anticipated book "Solaire."
