Warning: If you're nursing a fresh heartbreak, these images might hit too close to home. That said, this compelling project by professional photographer Carla Richmond Coffing and writer Hanne Steen deserves your attention.
The 'Lovers Shirts' series delves into the poignant ritual of wearing an ex-partner's clothing after a breakup. Coffing's lens captures women in their former lovers' t-shirts, revealing raw emotions of loss and lingering attachment.
We've all been there—inhaling that faint scent on a pillow left behind or spotting a forgotten t-shirt in the laundry. Each subject shares her story, with Coffing immortalizing these moments in a powerful video compilation (view here).
Hanne Steen reflects: 'How do we infuse meaning into an inanimate object like a t-shirt? What memories do they evoke? How can something so ordinary hold such profound energy? What's the link between abandoning a garment and the invisible ties to our ex?' This project beautifully explores themes of loss and nostalgia through expert storytelling and photography.
While the ache is real—even a 'Salon du vin 2013' t-shirt can trigger tears—discover the full series here. It's simple, evocative, and profoundly human.
NB: The gallery also features portraits of the four ex-partners, offering a fuller perspective on the emotional aftermath.
