Gamme Collective x Thomas Graindorge Editorial Collaboration
In the world of fashion and photography, Thomas Graindorge and Gamme Collective have teamed up to bring us "NIGHT SHADES." This experimental photo series, creating a captivating visual experience. Enchanted by the visual allure of the film "In the Mood for Love," Thomas transforms that inspiration into tangible art, crafting his narrative within the captivating ambiance of a vintage Hanoi-style restaurant. The photoshoot brings to light Thomas’s technical savoir-faire, he employs neon flashlights to evoke a nocturnal atmosphere.
Up Close With Thomas
Tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
I am half French and half Vietnamese. My father is French and my mother is Vietnamese. I grew up between these two cultures. I was raised in Paris but would travel to Vietnam as a child often. So I have fond memories of my time there.
Were you always a photographer?
No, I studied marketing and communications. I was in a band. I bought my first camera to create music videos. I fell in love with photography. Initially, I would cover concerts and gigs, slowly started doing portraits and then progressed into fashion. Initially, I was doing it part-time, it’s been 3 years since I started doing photography and videography full-time.
What was your creative process for the "NIGHT SHADES" shoot?
For the shoot, I was very inspired by the movie In the Mood for Love by Wong Kar-wai. The photography of the movie is amazing with a red and yellow atmosphere which feels very intimate. My challenge was to adapt this movie's look to my pictures with my colours and balance the old Vietnamese atmosphere of the restaurant with soft modern neon colours. The scene is only illuminated by my flashes. I had colour gels on them. One flash is for the background and the other one is very focused on the subject with the right positioning of my lifts, I can create this moody/dark night atmosphere
Why did you collaborate with Gamme Collective?
On a flight, I read about the Gamme Collective exhibition at Hanoi in the airline magazine. I found it interesting especially the use of traditional fabrics of Vietnam. I then saw the exhibition and loved it. One night, I went to meet a friend in a bar; turns out he was also friends with Han, the designer of Gamme Collective. I met her that night, and we got to talking and bonded over our cross-over cultures between Paris and Hanoi. There were too many signs and shared interest so we decided to work together for the editorial - NIGHT SHADES
What do you love about photography and where does your inspiration come from?
It comes from different places. In concert photography, everything is more free-flow. Fashion is more structured, you have to master the set and decide what you want to do in advance. I get inspired by my team, listen to their ideas and collaborate. A lot of my inspiration also comes from old movies and cinematography.
Do you have any favourite Vietnamese food spots in Paris?
For food, I mostly go to my mom and eat her food - especially Pho. I like small family-run spaces and small restaurants. The restaurants we shot at Hanoi 1988 & Hanoi 1988 Saovang; I love these places; the owners are kind, the food is amazing and the ambience symbolises Vietnamese culture. I like such places.
The NIGHT SHADES series goes beyond its visual allure, this collaboration embodies the profound beauty that arises when diverse backgrounds converge, pushing the boundaries of personal expression. Graindorge's artistic evolution, from music to photography, is mirrored in this exploration of tradition and modernity, creating a harmonious celebration of cross-cultural unity.
NIGHT SHADES serves as an inspirational beacon, encouraging creatives to view collaboration not just as a visual endeavor but as a profound journey of self-discovery and a catalyst for unlocking untapped creative potentials within the evolving realms of fashion and photography.
(Behind-the-scenes shooting Night Shades)
