French Savoir Faire

Slim Aarons followed the French seasons of style, spending winters in ski resorts like Chamonix before heading south in the summer to shoot the rich and glamorous in resorts along France's Cote d'Azur. Slim Aarons immortalized the bronzed bodies that peppered the beaches between 1960 and 1980, living proof of the golden era of the French Riviera.

The period was defined by newfound sexual liberation, the economic boom and a carefree jet-set with their sights set on unashamed hedonism. From the private clubs to the dream villas of the Mediterranean. It was in these extravagant villas where Aarons encountered celebrities like Maurice Chevalier, the Aga Khan, and Picasso.

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The Carlton Hotel

The Carlton hotel is known for its stunning Belle Epoque architecture, and its prime location on the Boulevard de la Croisette is famous for hosting movie stars from around the world during the annual Cannes Film Festival and has played host to countless celebrities and high-profile guests over the years, and it remains one of the most iconic hotels in the world.

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In Search of Style

Through the 1960s and '70s Aarons would return to the French coast in search of style. It serves as a reminder of the enduring allure of the French Riviera, and the way that the region has inspired artists, writers, and fashion designers for generations.

The photographs capture a moment in time when the French Riviera was at the height of its glamour and appeal, and when the wealthy elite indulged in luxurious vacations and stylish living.