A Canadian in Paris: Haute couture fashion shoot with Benjamin Kanarek

A Canadian in Paris: A haute couture fashion shoot with Ottawa model Amanda Nimmo and Toronto photographer Benjamin Kanarek

“A Canadian in Paris” with Amanda Nimmo in Haute Couture for Fashion Magazine © Benjamin Kanarek

FASHION Magazine Canada is celebrating their 35th anniversary in November 2012 and to celebrate the special event the magazine decided to produce a haute couture photo shoot in Paris.

This was the first time in FASHION’s history that they worked in Paris with a full gamut of designers to produce a haute couture shoot, and for the location they chose the legendary Hôtel de Crillon.

Ottawa model Amanda Nimmo donned the elegant garments and the photographs where shot by Benjamin Kanarek, who was born and raised in Toronto.

Kanarek is now based in Paris and has been shooting couture since 1986. He describes couture as the F1 of fashion. “It’s a totally different mindset,” he says. “Being on a couture shoot doesn’t allow you the luxury of keeping the clothing all day, to develop mood boards. Everyone is vying for [the same dresses]. You have to think on your feet and be creative. It’s a real challenge.”

The designers included Gaultier Paris, Elie Saab, the first Dior Couture Collection by Raf Simons, Givenchy by Ricardo Tisci, Chanel, Alexis Mabille, Giambattista Valli, Alexandre Vauthier, Maison Martin Margiela, Atelier Versace and Jantaminiau.

Videos from the shoot followed by some more great photos: