In 2017, Raphaelle Bellanger had the idea to make a book about Parisian youth. She teamed up with her childhood friend Anna Gardere, they worked together on the concept and made KIDZ Paris a reality. At the time, they were both 18, going through their high school final year.
KIDZ Paris gathered a selection of portraits, all young Parisians, all under 25 with unconventional paths or inspiring experiences, who through their own images and their own words drew frank and enlightening portraits of their generation. Kidz Paris was launched at Colette and its 1000 units rapidly sold out.
The first initiative was a local, but the creators wanted to give a view of what the international creative youth would look like if they told their own story.
For this second and international issue, Anna and Raphaelle returned as curator and artistic director of KIDZ, but this time in collaboration with YARD. YARD has long experience in the youth culture whether it is in its famous parties, through its media or with its campaigns to engage brands into meaningful actions towards the new generations. By joining the project, YARD contributed its workforce and its connections to release the most accurate and relevant issue of KIDZ to date.
Concept
KIDZ is a carte blanche to fifty young creatives around the world curated by Anna Gardère & Raphaëlle Bellanger. Each creative was given the freedom to express themselves on a double page spread of 43 x 27 each, with one single requirement: include a text written in the first person.
A selection of 50 profiles from contributors aged 10 to 30 years old from big cities to small places, KIDZ is a mix of skills, attitude, energy, and network according to Anna and Raphaelle’s sensitivity.
Launch & Distribution
1000 numbered units of KIDZ will be edited and launched in 5 cities: Paris, Los Angeles, Toronto, London, Tokyo (TBC), in selected book stores and retailers.
About the Contributor
Theda Braddock is an American who lives and works in Paris. She helps agencies develop their communication and promote creativity, and writes for several publications when she has time.
