Black Excellence on the French Riviera

Céline & Patrick of Studio Balzac capture the essence of Black excellence in their contemporary African-inspired styled shoot.

Set along the unique landscape of the French Riviera, Studio Balzac and a team of talented vendors create an intimate wedding inspired by African cultures, including the Karo tribe of Ethiopia and the Maasai tribe of Tanzania and Kenya.

Models Nefertiti and Lilson dance across the landscape in sleek white contemporary attire with intricate face paint. Wrapped in swaths of white, they float through space striking dynamic poses of strength, power, and love; a true embodiment of the African spirit.

Keep reading below for more on their inspiration and design.

Date of Shoot: March 1, 2022
Location: Along the French Riviera
Photographer: Céline & Patrick of Studio Balzac

Inspiration…

Inspired by the African Spirit, the way of life, the people and the colors that reflect this beautiful continent, we wanted to honor Africa.

Culture…

We were inspired by two tribes in particular. First of all, The Karo’s tribe, from Ethiopia, deeply seduced us. For generations, they have remained protected from the intrusion of the outside world by the mountains and the savannah. The chosen venue seemed to us in perfect adequacy, out of time, a suspended moment. Their makeup is made in a way to be more attractive. What a beautiful mentality!

Then, the Maasai; they maintain their cultural traditions while participating in contemporary economic, social, and political forces in the region and beyond. We were looking for loose and long outfits, like those of the Maasai, but in a contemporary fashion way to fit their mentality.