FASHION CONFESSIONS: JEAN PAUL BRUNIER 19th Century Parisian Photographer and Blogger

Jean-Paul Brunier was a fixture of the 19th-century Paris social and art scene. During a time when the Impressionists of his era were celebrating modern fashion on canvas, Brunier began capturing the scene on camera. While in town to host a series of events and promote his fellow Frenchmen (Caillebotte, Degas, Manet, Monet, Renoir, and Seuratat) at the AIC’s Impressionism, Fashion and Modernity exhibition, Jean-Paul became inspired by 21st-century Chicago. Born from his desire to document modern-day fashion and city life from his unique Parisian perspective, Jean-Paul started Impressions & Fashion. I met this incredibly charming man when he hosted an AIC private blogger’s exhibition tour and brunch. You too might have spotted Jean-Paul around town this summer, maybe at Pitchfork or Lolla, but don’t worry if you haven’t as he’s here till the end of September when the exhibition finishes.

Jean-Paul with Chicago’s leading fashion bloggers.

WHAT’S YOUR FASHION ADDICTION?
I don’t know if I’d call it an addiction. An affliction, perhaps. Like the consumption. Only my symptoms include a critical eye as opposed to a chronic cough. It’s just a part of who I am. Though I’m comfortable in my own skin, I’m much more comfortable in superbly tailored, exquisite fabrics.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT LIVING IN PARIS?
C’est magnifique! Have you never been? Of course, even if you have, I’m sure it is quite different than when I left it. A lot can change in 140 years. Though to set foot in your Art Institute this summer is a bit like stepping back in time to the Paris I so fondly recall. Except one needn’t worry about twisting an ankle on a cobblestone.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?
Mon dieu! So, it is time for the personal questions, euh? What will we be discussing next? Perhaps whether I am a Croque-Monsieur Monsieur or more of a Croque-Madame Monsieur?

The Loge, 1874 by Pierre-Auguste Renoir.
Impressionism, Fashion and Modernity.

WHO’S YOUR STYLE ICON?
Of course, you have your Balzac, your Zola, your Mallarme. But you can’t overlook the Impressionists. Your Tissot, Manet, Caillebotte and the like – all of whom bring fashion to life on canvas like no one else.

WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE FRENCH DESIGNERS?
There are so many fine fashion houses in Paris -- Mme. Marguerite, Maison Courvoisier et Dupuis, Maison Cheron, Robinet et Cie. – I could go on and on. As to whether any of them continue to go on is a mystery to me. I fear I may suddenly be living a bit in the past when it comes to the latest designers. Incroyable!

WHAT'S YOUR FAV PAINTING OR PIECE IN THE EXHIBITION?
That is a bit like asking moi to pick my favorite child. Or favorite top hat – as I have no children. J’adore them all. And for all different reasons. Fortunately, when it comes to appreciating such fashionable works of art, Jean-Paul has plenty of love to give to each of them.

The Millinery Shop, ca. 1882–86 by Edgar Degas.
Impressionism, Fashion and Modernity.

Lady with Fans (Portrait of Nina de Callias), 1873 by Édouard Manet.
Impressionism, Fashion and Modernity.

For Fashion Junkies this exhibition is one not to miss. It asks the questions: “Were the Impressionists fashionistas? And what role did fashion play in their goal to paint modern life with a “modern’ style?" Impressionism, Fashion and Modernity is currently on display at Art Institute of Chicago till September 29.

I couldn’t resist having my picture taken with this très chic Frenchman.