A Paris Fashion Story
Paris always feels like a stage. Every corner, every stone, every column whispers its own story. At the Palais Galliera, home to the Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris, I found the perfect setting to capture something bold, playful, and elegant all at once.
The Look: Couture and Jewelry in Paris
Model Laura Giraudi wore a striking creation by designer Smaranika Sarangi, paired with an exclusive necklace by Butones Jewelry. The dress shimmered in vivid fuchsia, alive with geometric black-and-white details and circular accents that seemed to float with her every move. The necklace, delicate yet strong, framed the look with sculptural grace. Together, they told a story of confidence, resilience, and beauty.
The Presence of Laura Giraudi
What struck me most was Laura herself. She brought the dress to life, leaning into the grandeur of the Palais Galliera while keeping her energy intimate, raw, and true. The way she held herself against those sweeping staircases and columns made each frame feel like a dialogue between past and present, architecture and couture, softness and strength.
Behind the Lens: Paris Editorial Photography
The day carried its own rhythm. The air was warm, sunlight shifted across the pale stone walls, catching the metallic sheen of the dress in unexpected ways. Between frames, we paused, laughed, and adjusted. The occasional breeze lifted Laura’s hair, adding its own spontaneity to the story. These are the quiet in-between moments I love most. They remind me photography is never just about pressing the shutter. It is about presence, connection, and letting the atmosphere of a place seep into the image.
The Language of Fashion Photography
This is why I love fashion photography. For me, it is never just about the clothing or the jewelry. Fashion is our silent language.
It isn’t clothing.
It’s expression.
It’s confidence stitched into fabric.
Color that speaks your truth.
A look that feels like you.
Inside, it lifts you.
Outside, it tells your story.
That’s why when I photograph fashion, my focus isn’t on the clothing. It is on the story.
Fashion Collaboration Across Continents
Working with Smaranika is always special. I have had the chance to photograph her designs in the San Francisco Bay Area, New York, Bali, on the runway, and now here in Paris. Each time, her work takes on a new voice and a new energy. The same is true for Butones Jewelry. Their pieces never sit quietly. They elevate and frame the story in unexpected ways. Both Smaranika’s designs and Butones Jewelry will be featured in my upcoming photo book, Fashion and Editorial Photography: Sixteen Tales From Around the World, a project that gathers stories from across continents.
This week, Smaranika is heading to New York Fashion Week, and I could not be happier for her. I wish her the very best as her vision steps onto one of the world’s most important stages. Her designs deserve to be seen, celebrated, and remembered.
In Paris, with Laura in front of my lens, Smaranikia’s daring craftsmanship, and the artistry of Butones Jewelry, everything came together. The city. The fashion. The story. A moment that felt fleeting, but one I know will live on in these images.
Photoshoot Credits
- Model: Laura Giraudi
- Fashion Designer: Smaranika Sarangi
- Jewelry Designer: Butones Jewelry
- Photographer: Paul Tocatlian
If you are a brand, designer, model, or creative looking to tell your story through powerful images, let’s connect. I would love to collaborate and create something unforgettable together.
© Paul Tocatlian. All Rights Reserved.
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