Charles Fréger

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.