Lux

This straightforward collection of portraits by Charles Fréger continues this brilliant young French photographer’s study of European youth and social uniforms. Made over a period of three years in the tiny country of Luxembourg, Lux contains absolutely riveting, if deadpan, portraits of schoolchildren and adolescents in their various vocational and recreational costumes–including soccer uniforms, ballet leotards, chorale society outfits, military fatigues and work clothes. Fréger closes out this volume with a series of equestrians in formal and western wear, and a knockout study of burgeoning competitive swimmers. It is hard to imagine a set of more touchingly awkward portraits than the ones of the youngest of these girls in their metal nose clips, bathing caps and goggles.