Paris, Straight-Up!

In 1977 on the Kings Road, Terry Jones commissioned Steve Johnston to photograph London punks against a wall and called it a Straight-Up. The format quickly became an i-D staple and a bible of global personal style. To celebrate i-D’s relaunch, we took to the streets of five cultural capitals – including Paris, where Daniel Antropik captured residents in a quiet moment during the chaotic Olympics summer.

Get to know them below and also check out the rest of our Worldwi-De Straight-Ups in London, New York, Accra and Tokyo.

Adelé, 20
What do you do? I study law and make art in my free time. What do you love about Paris? Walking by myself. If you could swap places with one person for a day who would it be? Director of the CIA. I want to know all the secrets. The secret to happiness is… Friends and family. What does change mean to you? I always try to adapt, only my friends stay the same.

Alana Ocano, 30
What do you love about Paris? The liveliness, energy, diversity and creative scene. If you could swap places with one person for a day who would it be? Patti Smith. The secret to happiness is… Having friends and family to be unapologetically yourself around.

Damara Atrigol Pratt, 31
Where do you want to be in five years’ time? Everywhere. I always live between at least two cities! If you could swap places with one person for a day who would it be? My dog, Kiarostami. There’s so much mystery between us. What does change mean to you? It is the undercurrent of all life. And it’s no use swimming against the current!

Yannis, 25
What do you love about Paris? Paris is magic. The city takes a lot of your energy, but gives you the same amount. Where do you want to be in five years’ time? At peace. If you could swap places with one person for a day who would it be? Celine Dion on the Olympics’ opening night.

Stefan, 47
What do you love about Paris? In Paris the whole world is coming to you. You don’t need to move. If you could swap places with one person for a day who would it be? Teddy Riner, the French judo champion. I love martial arts.

Jean-Baptiste, 68
What do you love about Paris? The views. I can see Pont Neuf from my window. What song do you have on repeat right now? Everything from Charles Aznavour. If you could swap places with one person for a day who would it be? Macron. I’d jump from the window. What does change mean to you? To see the LGBTQ community on TV.

Charlotte & Grajper
What do you love about Paris? C: Diversity. G: Cheese. If you could swap places with one person for a day who would it be? C: Tilda Swinton. The secret to happiness is… C: Freedom. G: To love yourself in a healthy way. What does change mean to you? C: Evolution. G: Excitement.

Rachel, 28
Where do you want to be in five years’ time? Anywhere, but happy. If you could swap places with one person for a day who would it be? My mother, so I can have more empathy towards her. The secret to happiness is… Enjoying the simple things in life.

Gaia, 18
What do you do? I study acting in New York. If you could swap places with one person for a day who would it be? My mom, she had a crazy life when she was younger! The secret to happiness is… A good attitude. What does change mean to you? Seeing what the unexpected brings to you.

Curtis, 20
If you could swap places with one person for a day who would it be? Pharrell Williams. The secret to happiness is… There is no secret. You choose if you’re happy or not. What does change mean to you? We cannot change, but we can grow.