Finalist – Prix Picto de la Mode 2024 : Steve Ney

Steve Ney is a 26 year old photographer. Born in Paris and originally from Pondicherry, India, his passion for photography was born from a very young age, guided by his mother who navigated between film and digital where he was able to rub shoulders with what he called “the device for freezing life. At a very young age, he immediately had this desire to tell stories through the prism of images. He is currently exploring the world of photography, blending his creativity with his life experience to create unique and captivating works. His varied cultural roots, combined with his artistic vision, enrich his photographs with rare authenticity. Photography became a bridge bringing him closer to his Indian roots, pushing him to go beyond the usual stereotypical visions and clichés. He has this deep desire to reveal and present an authentic and nuanced vision of modern India. Every image he captures is imbued with his passion for his home country and his desire to share its beauty with the world.

« Nijam »

“Through my photographic project, I undertook a visual journey where contrasts meet and identities mingle. Inspired by the innovative style of Demna Gvasalia at Balenciaga, I tried to bring an original and offbeat vision to through my images. By combining the Parisian streetwear that I integrated with the exotic settings and dynamic population of India, I sought to forge a unique marriage between diverse cultures and ways of living. The aim being to offer a hybrid and authentic vision: a Frenchman of Indian origin, navigating between two worlds while seeking to unite them harmoniously. This approach combines traditions and modernity, between saris and baggy, ordered and unstructured, playing with colors and sobriety. Through my photographs, I want to transmit a message of tolerance and open-mindedness, showing that true beauty lies in diversity and acceptance of our differences. By combining the aesthetic of Balenciaga with authenticity of India, I strived to demonstrate that fashion can be a powerful vector of connection and understanding between cultures.”