THROUGH THE LABYRINTH OF THE MIND STYLE AND DREAMS
In a setting where classic meets modern, writer Miguel Bonnefoy, winner of the Grand Prix du roman de l'Académie française and the Prix Femina for Le Rêve du jaguar, lent himself to an unprecedented exercise in style and dream in the hushed atmosphere of the Hôtel Balzac. Renowned photographer François Berthier shot a series of portraits of the writer, blending introspection and rock aesthetics.

Under the artistic direction of Flora di Carlo, the aim was to deconstruct the classic image of the dreamy writer to reveal a more rebellious and contemporary side. Inspired by the themes of existentialism and metamorphosis, the fashion editorial sought to illustrate the freedom to reinvent one's identity, a central idea among thinkers such as Sartre and Camus. François Berthier, with his nonchalant poses and meticulous settings, explores an enigmatic Miguel Bonnefoy, oscillating between melancholy and contemplation.

The photos, taken in different areas of the hotel, play with the sophisticated ambience of the place. One striking scene features the writer in a bathtub filled with book pages, a poetic nod to his literary world. This interplay of visual effects accentuates the contrast between the hotel's sumptuous décor and the writer's raw, rebellious image.

The styling emphasized this duality by combining pieces such as a classic white shirt, Ambush jewelry, Fursac and Paul Smith suits and John Lobb shoes. The writer's wet hair and natural make-up by Marika Bouveyron highlight the authenticity of the character. Every sartorial detail reinforces the author's rock and introspective allure, offering a contemporary interpretation of the bohemian writer, the one who transcends convention and expresses a personal and authentic vision of the world.

This photographic series is not just a celebration of the elegance of the Hotel Balzac: it also pays homage to transformation and creative freedom. Far from the frozen image of the writer, Miguel Bonnefoy metamorphoses in front of the lens, illustrating the individual's capacity to redefine himself. The result is a visual series that is both sober and powerful, a dialogue between the timeless luxury of the place and the indomitable spirit of the artist.

In short, this collaboration between François Berthier and Miguel Bonnefoy at the Hôtel Balzac is a true work of art, in which photography becomes a means of exploring the human soul and its many facets, in a setting where each shot seems to echo elegance and depth.

HÔTEL BALZAC
6, RUE BALZAC, PARIS 8E
HOTELBALZAC.PARIS