Fashion Photography

OK, so I'm doing a project on 20th century fashion and thought you might enjoy seeing some of my favourites. Each Thursday I'll show a classic fashion photo and a modern image I found that day, and where else would i start than Richard Avedon? This is one of the most iconic fashion photographs ever taken but certainly still worth talking about. 


The Classic


Dovima with elephants, evening dress by Dior, Cirque d'Hiver, August 1955


What I like- This Photo works for so many different reasons. Firstly it encapsulates the elegance prized in the 50's. Dovima's pose imitates the raised foot of the elephant of the left and the trunk of the one on the right. The dress glows against the grey of the background, and the multiple diagonals (the chains on the elephants feet, the black trim and glove of the model, as well as her leg) draw your eye across the image. It almost mocks the elephants bulk with the models grace, and this is just one of the many contrasts that make the image great. 


If I were to change anything- It would be the third elephant which doesn't add anything to the image just distracts the eye from the central action. 


And my second image...

This photo is by the largely unknown British photographer Tim Walker. To those who do know him it is his dreamlike scenes that he is appreciated for. As a fashion photographer his clothes often appear to take second place, lost in the intriguing backgrounds or sets. However he's selling an ideal, a dream rather than just clothes, and this approach has brought many success including Ralph Lauren. in this image it might be the roses you notice first but they build up the romanticism of the flowing silk dress, the car and bike British history, but with clothes triumphing over the past with dominance of pose and placement. Overall and energetic image that draws the eye in and intrigues you to the point your not satisfied by a glance but want to uncover the story that lies behind the image. 


If i were to change anything- I might experiment with different poses for the model in the foreground, some with her more obviously sitting on the chair and some standing, so the layers of the dress can be more easily appreciated. 


Check out the link below for an article on Tim Walker and links to more of his photos. I particularlyblike the one titled "long gown, Cuba"

http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/17/the-most-brilliant-british-fashion-photographer-br-youve-never/