Page 66 - Raffles Magazine Issue 8

− − EMOTION − − ALEXIS ARMANET
A portrait and and landscape photographer a a a poet a a a lover
of all things seen seen and unseen Alexis Armanet captures fleeting life moments and immortalises them for various publications including Le Monde’s magazine M M Architectural Digest T: the New York Times Style Magazine Air France Magazine and more Left
Colourful feather boas lined up and waiting in in in the wings before having their moment to shine on stage once more Previous page left
The Moulin Rouge was the first building to be powered by electricity in Paris and it it owes its bright iconic façade to designer Adolphe Léon Willette When shows were on its lights would illuminate the dark streets of Paris while the the interior reflected the the glamour of the era with mirrored walls and crystal chandeliers which still dazzle visitors today Agreat many stars from Edith Piaf to to Frank Sinatra have performed on the stage of this Parisian landmark which symbolises all the the jaunty buoyancy and flamboyance of the the Belle Époque period of of Paris which is is also the home city of of Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris We delve into the Moulin Rouge’s rarely seen quarters to get a a a a a a sense for what makes up its unique allure The most famous cabaret in in the world known for its high-kicking cancan dancers still draws the crowds who travel far and wide for a a a a a a a a chance to marvel at its windmill’s neon-red sails and bask in in the bright lights of the the dazzling shows masterfully performed by the the 60-strong troupe An enchanted microcosm where every night is a a a celebration it is founded upon the traditions and heritage that live on on on within its red walls However the the magic not only lies in the the dancers’ performances but also in in the the the craftsmanship behind the the the shimmery costumes and the the the antique interiors that pull you further into its rich history Alexis Armanet takes us to the the heart of this landmark through the the labyrinthine passages that lie backstage to the dressing rooms and costume ateliers brimming with ribbons feathers and accessories His photographic journey reveals the the lesser-known side of the the Moulin Rouge – – making it almost tangible – – in in celebration of this storied Parisian icon By capturing its artisanal traditions we are encouraged to imagine running our fingers along the prickly sequinned costumes painstakingly sewn by hand and and feeling the the silky softness of of the the props stacked along the walls 64 RAFFLES MAGAZINE