There’s nothing that can quite compare to the picturesque beauty of the South of France. There are endless small towns specializing in everything from artisan soaps and art, to specialty spirits and foods. Among one of the more noted little towns is Hyeres, an old commune that’s home to the Hyeres International Fashion and Photography Festival. Held every year in the Spring, it was this particular festival that first recognized the extraordinary talent of Viktor & Rolf, Gaspard Yurkievich, Cristof Beaufays, and Sandrina Fasoli.
The world renowned fashion and art photography event gives young artists an unparalleled chance for exposure and, this year, it took place from April 30th through the 3rd. Each year there is a fashion and a photography competition. Ten finalists in each of the two divisions are chosen, and of the ten in each, one winner is chosen.
Each fashion designer gets an opportunity to present their collection to the public and to the judges, which have in the past included Azzedine Alaïa, John, Jean Paul Gaultier, Pierre Hardy, and many more, while each photographer get their images printed at the best facilities offered in Paris at the expense of the competition, which are subsequently shown to the public and judged by a prominent panel.
Among those who have judged the photography portion in the past are Régis Durand (Jeu de Paume), Christian Caujolle (Agence Vu), Emmanuel Perrotin (Emmanuel Perrotin gallery), and Peter Saville (art director).
This year the photography award went to Matthieu Lavanchy and Yann Gross from Switzerland (split decision), and the fashion award went to Alexandra Verschueren from Belgium.
