Celebrating 10 years of Places + Faces

A Decade-long of Cultural Resonance and Visual Influence

Since its inception 10 years ago, Places+Faces has become a leading force in fashion and photography. As the brand celebrates its 10th anniversary, it's an opportune moment to reflect on its rich history and enduring influence. Founded by Ciesay and Soulz, Places + Faces began as a photography project capturing the raw essence of underground music scenes and street culture. However, it quickly exceeded its humble origins, propelling the founders into the limelight and captivating a global audience with its unique visual style. With the combination of intimate artist portraits, and collaborations with rising talents, Places + Faces has become a symbol of artistic expression and cultural resonance. In this article, we delve into the journey of Places + Faces, tracing its rise to prominence, exploring its impact on streetwear and photography, and celebrating its legacy as an inspiration for creative communities worldwide.

Places+Faces started in 2013 when Ciesay spent a summer in New York sneaking into events backstage and photographing artists. Over the next few months, he amassed a huge pile of photos of some of the biggest names in hip-hop but had nowhere to put them. It was here that Ciesay's friend and fellow photographer Soulz suggested the two of them start a Tumblr blog to upload the photos. After a few logo hoodies and printed business cards caught fire, the duo started doing apparel and accessories and over time, became one of the biggest brands in streetwear.

In the early years, Ciesay and Soulz were capturing candid moments of emerging musicians and street culture in London and New York, gaining a reputation for their unique photography style. Their images resonated with a growing audience seeking authenticity and a glimpse into the underground music scene. Through the strategic use of social media platforms like Instagram, Places + Faces quickly gained a dedicated following and began to garner attention from notable personalities and influencers. The photographs went viral, with their distinctive style and subjects becoming synonymous with youth culture and streetwear aesthetics. As their popularity grew, Places + Faces began collaborating with prominent artists, musicians, and fashion brands, solidifying their position as an influential creative force. Collaborations with artists like Skepta and A$AP Rocky, as well as partnerships with brands like Nike and Stüssy, further propelled them into the mainstream consciousness. Places + Faces expanded beyond photography, launching their own merchandise line featuring its iconic imagery, further fueling their rise in prominence. Their global pop-up events and exhibitions attracted fans from around the world, creating a sense of community and cementing their status as tastemakers in both photography and streetwear. Today, Places + Faces continues to be a highly regarded brand, known for their distinct aesthetic and their ability to capture and shape the cultural zeitgeist. Their influence extends beyond their initial photography roots, inspiring a new generation of creatives and leaving a lasting impact on the industry.

Places + Faces' rise to prominence can largely be attributed to the power of social media platforms, particularly Instagram. With their keen understanding of the platform's potential, Places + Faces harnessed social media to amplify their influence and connect with a global audience. Through their Instagram account, Places + Faces showcased their distinct style of photography, capturing raw moments and intimate portraits of musicians, artists, and cultural icons. Their images became highly shareable, often featuring recognizable faces and capturing pivotal cultural moments. The viral nature of Places+Faces' photos played a significant role in their rapid growth. As fans and followers eagerly shared their favourite images, the brand's reach expanded exponentially, attracting attention from both the streetwear and music communities. This organic spread of their work helped solidify Places + Faces' position as a visual authority and a must-follow account for anyone interested in street culture. Social media platforms allowed Places + Faces to establish direct connections with their audience. By consistently sharing behind-the-scenes moments, exclusive content, and sneak peeks of upcoming projects, they created a sense of community and engagement that went beyond traditional photography. Fans felt like they were part of the journey, which further deepened their loyalty and commitment to the brand. Furthermore, social media became a powerful tool for Places + Faces to collaborate with other creatives. Via Instagram, they connected with emerging musicians, designers, and artists, forming partnerships that both expanded their reach and enriched their creative endeavors. These collaborations enabled Places + Faces to tap into different creative spheres and create multidimensional experiences that resonated with a diverse audience.

In 2015, Places + Faces embarked on their global expansion, taking their brand beyond its London roots. They organized their first international pop-up event in New York City, showcasing their photography and launching their merchandise. The success of the New York pop-up encouraged them to explore other major cities, including Tokyo, Paris, Los Angeles, and Berlin. Each pop-up event served as an opportunity for Places + Faces to connect with their global fan base and introduce their brand to new audiences. These events featured exclusive merchandise drops, limited edition collaborations, and immersive experiences that reflected the local culture and scene. Through their pop-ups, Places + Faces created a sense of community and fostered personal connections with fans around the world. Their strong social media following allowed them to connect with fans worldwide and showcase their global travels and collaborations. As a result of their global expansion efforts, Places + Faces became recognized as a truly international brand, leaving a lasting impact on streetwear, photography, and youth culture on a global scale.

Places+Faces has also had a profound impact on photography, particularly within the documentary-style genre. Their distinct aesthetic, characterized by raw, unposed moments and intimate portraits, has become highly influential. The Places + Faces style of photography deviates from the traditional staged and polished approach. Instead, it embraces the imperfections and authenticity of street culture. By capturing unfiltered moments and genuine emotions, they create a visual narrative that resonates with viewers. This documentary-style photography, popularized by Places + Faces, has inspired countless photographers and creatives to embrace a more candid and raw approach. It has become a sought-after style in various genres, including street photography, music photography, and lifestyle photography. The influence of Places + Faces extends beyond their own work. Through their collaborations, exhibitions, and social media presence, they have helped elevate and amplify the voices of emerging photographers who share a similar vision. This inclusivity and support for the wider creative community have further solidified their impact on the photography landscape.

Places+Faces has left an immeasurable mark on the fashion and photography industries over the past decade. What started as a photography project capturing the essence of underground music scenes and street culture has evolved into a global phenomenon. Through their unique visual style and the strategic use of social media, Places+Faces captured the hearts of a dedicated audience and became synonymous with artistic expression and cultural resonance. Their collaborations with artists and brands, as well as their global pop-up events, solidified their position as tastemakers in both photography and streetwear. Moreover, their understanding of the power of social media platforms allowed them to foster a global community and engage directly with their fans, further deepening their influence. Not only did Places+Faces redefine the documentary-style genre of photography, but they also inspired a new generation of creatives and played a pivotal role in shaping the industry. As Places+Faces celebrates its 10th anniversary, its legacy as a trailblazer and catalyst for artistic and cultural movements continues to inspire and captivate creative communities worldwide.