In the early 1950s, Denise Colomb went around Paris to photograph...
derek guy@dieworkwear
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Mar 15, 2026
~1 min read
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In the early 1950s, Denise Colomb went around Paris to photograph artists — some native-born, some immigrants, all contributing to a vibrant intellectual and art scene. Some of the artists dressed up for their portraits. Others wore work clothes. Here's what she saw. 🧵
Miles Johnston@MilesJohnston
My question for menswear guy. Did painters always dress in a full suit to work, or is this a norm for being photographed. Do I need to step my game up? @dieworkwear
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Wifredo Lam, Alberto Giacometti, Nicolas de Staël, Zao Wou-Ki, Germain, Jean-Paul Riopelle, and Georges Mathieu all wore what would today be described as "tailored" clothing. You'll notice that the trousers come up quite high. Giacometti's suit is also quite padded.
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Hans Hartung, Jean-Paul Riopelle, Arpad Szenes, and Bernard Buffet wore what would be described as "workwear." Buffet, a French Expressionist and member of the anti-abstract art group L'homme Témoin (the Witness-Man), is sporting a French hunting coat at this cafe.
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Here's Jean-Paul Riopelle in his studio in 1952. The second photo shows a close up of his shoes. This could be a J. Crew ad campaign today.
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Some people insist that white socks can't be worn with penny loafers. In fact, this combination was quite common back in the day. Here's Michel Seuphor in the combo while hanging out with Marguerite Arp, Denise Colomb, and Jean Arp in 1954.
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The reality is that artists back in the day wore all sorts of things — sometimes tailoring, as this was daily attire back in the day; sometimes workwear. Sometimes outlandish things; sometimes simple things. Although I think they were all quite stylish.
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If you want to see more, you can pick up a copy of Denise Colomb's book "Portraits D'Artistes, Les Années 50/60." The second photos shows Colomb with her Rolleiflex, as she was putting together this project.
