Vermibus in Paris – The Final Chapter of Unveiling Beauty

The last stop on Vermibus’ creative journey was Paris, the city which is perhaps, out all the cities from the list, most directly and historically related to fashion. If selling lifestyle is what bothers the artist in general, then changing these manners in Paris, particularly, is probably the most challenging task of all. Even though all of these centers are very important in the world of fashion, in Paris, fashion is more than just important. It has become part of their  tradition. The known origins of French connection with fashion go way back, into the 17th century, when the French royalty became known for their exceptional style and taste. That profile was kept, for centuries, and it is something that is, admittedly, one of the first things that come to mind, when talking about Paris.

Vermibus Unveils the Beauty of Paris

Nevertheless, having good taste and being easily manipulated should be considered as two different things. Vermibus deployed the same pattern in Paris as in Milan, London and New York, all of which were surveyed in our previous posts. His intent was to complete the Unveiling Beauty series, and he did this by visiting a few different parts of the city, and replacing the standard advertisements with his own, adapted ones. In Paris, a bit more than in the other three capitals of fashion, his work reaches a very interesting point of impact, when opposed to the people in the streets. You will probably notice this occurrence on some of the featured photographs. Since in this city almost everything is about style, the numerous fashionably dressed, chic passersby serve as living examples of Vermibus’ concerns. Of course, you’ll find similar people in London and New York, too, but the French capital pulsates with this fashion-obsession energy which shapes the character of the city. The women in sandals, walking in cold weather, belong to these streets, and illustrate the picturesque syndrome of being a “fashion victim”. Right next to them, the hijacked billboards depict the hidden layers of beauty – one which the fashion industries, according to Vermibus, try to conceal.

Understanding Fashion as a Versatile Concept

But are the trendy Parisians open to changing their opinion and lifestyle, when it comes to fashion? Even if they inherently aren’t, there is probably nothing wrong with that. This public statement might free some of their minds, or encourage them to reconsider some things. But even if it doesn’t – the message that Vermibus aims to send, on the other hand, is not only related to fashion, or to any brands or companies in particular. More importantly, he wants for people to have a choice, when it comes to both lifestyle, and just being present in the public space, which belongs to all of us – not only to the ones who pay for commercials, in order to reach broader audiences. The public space is there for us to use it responsibly and to coexist in it together, and that should be the whole point of shared spaces. In a similar way, trends do not necessarily have to affect the way we think, the way we buy or consume, or the way we evaluate the things we see or the people we meet. Having options is equally important as having an opinion (still, the fortitude and relevance of having an opinion is a tricky issue as well, but definitely not a matter of this article). Fashion is just one of the things which could be considered as a form of elitism, in a discriminating sense, but could also be perceived as a bunch of beautiful garments, which can really do no harm, unless we allow them to.

Vermibus and Open Walls in Paris 2016

Vermibus will have another encounter with the city of fashion in April, at the first international Urban Art Fair Paris. Open Walls Gallery and Vermibus will take part in the show, which will present his works in a different atmosphere, since the entire fair is dedicated to urban culture and the matters of social phenomena. The fair will take place from April 22 through April 24, 2016 at the Carreau du Temple in Paris. So, make sure to be there, and for more information, here’s a link to the official website of the fair.