04.07.07
Parisian Flower Shops
It goes without saying that Parisian boutiques have some of the most attractive shop windows and displays among world capitals. Inspiration for home interiors, fashionable dressing, or decor for a fancy soirée, window dressing is no trivial matter here and contributes significantly to the aesthetic experience of the Parisian flâneur. American photographer Brian Ogilvie has a wonderful on-line gallery of eclectic Parisian shop windows of all kinds.
One of the most stunning trends I’ve noticed is the dramatic lighting most flower shops use in our part of the French capital. Unlike many flower shops I frequented in the States, which seem to say “spring!” all year round, virtually all the florists in the Marais display their botanic creations against a pitch-black backdrop, with a light source usually illuminating the bouquet or centerpiece from only one direction (above or to the side), for effect. One major exception to this “rule” is the outdoor flower market that lines the Seine, but the individual shops do seem to follow this display style.
With Easter and warmer weather approaching, I wonder if this will change. For now, I’ve tried to capture this phenomenon in photographs, below. I took many of these photos at night, but I promise they have a similar effect in daylight as well.
Lillian said,
April 7, 2007 at 7:13 pm
I can’t wait for the SPRING, my tulips are coming up in the backyard and frontyard. I just love the flowers so much!! The flowers window displays are very neat.
rachel said,
April 7, 2007 at 8:49 pm
I know! This week has finally felt like spring here. I don’t want to jinx it, though, by putting my winter coat away. How lucky you have flowers coming up! The closest we’ve gotten to a yard is the window flower box…