On April 29th the 26th edition of the International Festival of Fashion and Photography will open. Fashion shows, exhibitions and meetings with stylists and photographers are on the program for this 2011 edition. Directed by Jean-Pierre Blanc, the festival will gather over ten fashion designers and over the same amount of photographers, under the auspices of a jury of professionals. A real observatory of trends and a launch pad for new talents, Hyères has introduced, since its creation, over 80 photographers including Camille Vivier, Olivier Ansellem, Charles Fréger, Mathieu Bernard-Reymond, Thomas Mailaender and even Estelle Hanania…

Michel Mallard, art director and curator, and Raphaëlle Stopin, associate curator, will present several photo exhibitions at the Villa Noailles through May 29th. You will find among others Erwin Blumenfeld, one of the most important names in experimental and creative photography, Yann Gross, winner of last year’s festival, and also the young Daniel Sannwald, who will be displaying his work for the first time.

Renowned for its Prix de Photographie, the Hyères Festival hopes to highlight and feature new artists, and promote innovative and structured photography writing. After a deliberation, the jury, composed of 11 key figures of the world of photography, have chosen 10 photographers who will be present in a collective exhibition.

The photo shows will be free from April 30th through May 29th at the Villa Noailles.

Ericka Weidmann