Beautiful: Mircius Aecrim View on Paris, Vol. 4

A CITY WITH A RICH AND LONG HISTORY SUCH AS PARIS, IS A CITY THAT HIDES MANY SECRETS. PARIS IS A CITY WITH MANY FACES. WHERE MANY SEE THE MODERN CITY OF TODAY, BUSY WITH TRAFFIC AND 21ST CENTURY BUSINESSES, OTHERS CAN STILL LOOK BEYOND THAT AND INDULGE IN BEAUTY OF PAST THAT SO SEAMLESSLY SEEMS TO HAVE PASSED INTO THE PRESENT. AS MUCH AS IT IS A CITY OF TODAY LIKE MANY OTHER METROPOLITANS, PARIS IS STILL ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CITIES OUR WORLD HAS TO OFFER. A CITY THAT CAN MAKE YOU DREAM. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS SEE IT.

When Mircius Aecrim visited us in Paris earlier in 2012, he took the opportunity to meet, and photograph, a handful of men that, regardless their mixed backgrounds and origins, all have become true Parisians of today. Claude, Armando, Fred… they are the Parisian men of the 21st century. They choose Paris as their place to live in, to grow in and to dream in. Mircius brought them to our home and immortalized them against a backdrop of typical 19th century Parisian architecture. A Paris that was built from dreams and vision. And by placing all his men in the same scenery, Mircius did not only accentuate the beautiful harmonious contrast between these modern men and that classic environment, he also was able to portray Claude, Armando and Fred in a most intimate and subtle way. As if the dreams of those visionary men from the past live on into these beautiful men of today.

Today’s 4th installment of Mircius Aecrim’s View on Paris highlights another of those beautiful men. Stephane Haffner. With his Italian/French origins again a men of mixed heritage who so well embodies the concept of today’s Parisians. From age 6 to 17, Stephane was a committed practicer of gymnastics at high level. This physical training brought the foundation of his dreams, which he started to realize first in 1995, creating several acrobatic street acts. Showing a similar commitment and determination, Stephane eventually got spotted and discovered and found his way to the Italian television.

Happy with his accomplishments but dreaming of more, Stephane Haffner embarked on a double study of both styling and acrobatic arts at the École du Cirque. A great choice as this decision brought him on a path of international success. It was this education and the combined dreams and visions of Stephane and his brother Alexandre that one day in 1999, in front of the Centre Pompidou in Paris led them to create their Les Farfadais. It is not easy to describe what Les Farfadais is about. Simply saying a touring troup of acrobats would certainly not do them credit. Mythology and fantasy, combined with almost impossible acrobatic performances, music and dance, all packed in the most fantastic decors and costumes. Les Farfadais have found the way to make dreams come true. Choreography, costumes, concepts, music. All is created and hand made by the members of the group. Their shows are direct implementations of their deepest and most creative fantasies .Les Farfadais needs to be seen. Experienced.

Stephane Haffner has made a success of his life. He was able to turn his dreams into reality. Together with his teams he travels the world. Les Farfadais can be seen and experienced on every single continent. And if that is not enough, Stephane has also become a most professional photography model. And with his well develop athletic body and great agility a well sought after model as well. Working in every corner of the world gives him all the opportunities to work with the best male photographers of today. And no matter how many times he appears in front of the camera, Stephane’s enthusiasm and motivation never wavers.

Living a life like that you can imagine Stephane can choose where ever he wants to live. But no matter what, after each intensive travel, Stephane is happy to return to his home city Paris. It is here where he lives, a stone throws distance from our home where Mircius Aecrim shot him in a way Stephane rarely can be seen. Pensive, bemused and comfortable with himself and his surrounding. Without a certain feeling of having to perform. Natural. And is drawn into the dreams and visions that are still so alive in these Parisian surroundings, one can’t help wondering, what are you dreaming of now Stephane? –BM-

Learn more about Stephane Haffner and Les Farfadais on their website www.farfadais.com.
Read also: Mircius Aecrim View on Paris Vol.1: Claude | Mircius Aecrim View on Paris Vol.2: Armando Santos | Mircius Aecrim View on Paris Vol.3: Fred Faurtin.