Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on September 2013

Dynamic French photographer and Tokyo resident Vanessa Franklin has shot for top global ad agencies and high-end fashion magazines but her true love is the sort of artistic photography that has garnered her wall space in Paris, Edinburgh—and Roppongi Midtown. Now she’s occupying Jingumae’s Hasselblad gallery with “Bleu.” Created with stylist Matsuda Kosei, the series features the blue canvas familiar from hanami parties wrapped around models in various settings. Franklin’s fashion aesthetic combines with her artistic eye to offer a striking angle on Japanese motifs of ephemeral beauty.

Hasselblad Japan, Until Oct 1; free. Mon Fri 10am-6pm, closed weekends & hols. 1-10-32 Jingumae. Nearest stn: Harajuku. Tel: 03-6434-9567. www.vanessafranklin.com