A new book titled Steven Klein: Vogue will be released in December, compiling two decades of the photographer's distinctive work for Vogue magazine. Published by Abrams, this collection showcases Klein's fashion editorials, portraits, and beauty images created between 2000 and 2019. The book offers a comprehensive look at the artist's unique visual style, characterized by its striking colors, bold compositions, and often surreal quality.
The publication features images commissioned by Anna Wintour, Vogue's global editorial director, and styled by prominent figures in fashion journalism. It includes photographs of numerous supermodels and pop culture icons, highlighting Klein's significant impact on fashion photography during the early 21st century.
Key Takeaways
- Steven Klein: Vogue, a new book from Abrams, collects 20 years of Klein's photography for Vogue.
- The book spans works created from 2000 to 2019.
- It features collaborations with Anna Wintour and renowned stylists like Phyllis Posnick and Grace Coddington.
- Subjects include top supermodels and pop culture personalities.
- Klein's distinctive style is known for its intense colors and challenging themes.
Two Decades of Visionary Photography
The new book, Steven Klein: Vogue, covers a significant period in Klein's career, specifically from 2000 to 2019. During these years, Klein established a reputation for producing images that stand out. His photographs are not merely visual; they often tell a story and provoke thought. This approach has made his work instantly recognizable to long-time readers of Vogue.
Phyllis Posnick, a Vogue editor, previously highlighted Klein's artistic vision in her 2016 book, Stoppers. Posnick noted that Klein aims to create pictures that endure. This new collection further solidifies that perspective, gathering his most impactful contributions into a single volume.
Collaborations with Fashion Icons
Many of the images in Steven Klein: Vogue are the result of key collaborations. Anna Wintour, Vogue's global editorial director, played a crucial role in commissioning these works. Her understanding of Klein's unique aesthetic allowed his challenging vision to flourish within the magazine's pages.
"I remember early on, people didn’t quite know what to do with my work," Klein writes in the book’s introduction. "It didn’t fit into the polished, high-gloss fantasy that fashion magazines typically sell. My work had blood in it. Bruises. Power games. Isolation. It had the feel of surveillance footage or a scene from a film you weren’t supposed to watch. Anna Wintour got it. She understood that fashion, at its best, should disturb the surface. It should challenge the way we see, the way we define taste."
This quote from Klein himself explains the nature of his photography. He aimed for something beyond conventional beauty, embracing themes of rawness and intensity.
Book Details
- Title: Steven Klein: Vogue
- Publisher: Abrams
- Release Date: December 2
- Cover Image: Features Karlie Kloss, styled by Phyllis Posnick
- Period Covered: 2000-2019
Stylists and Subjects
The book also credits a roster of renowned stylists who worked alongside Klein. These include Phyllis Posnick, Grace Coddington, Tonne Goodman, and Camilla Nickerson. Their creative input helped shape the narratives and visual impact of Klein's photographs.
The subjects of Klein's lenses are equally impressive. The book features a wide array of fashion legends. These include supermodels such as Gisele Bündchen, Karen Elson, Linda Evangelista, Karlie Kloss, Angela Lindvall, Carolyn Murphy, Joan Smalls, Lara Stone, Caroline Trentini, Christy Turlington, Amber Valletta, and Daria Werbowy. Beyond the world of high fashion, pop culture figures like Nicki Minaj and Dita von Teese are also featured.
The Artistic Philosophy of Steven Klein
Klein's photography often defies traditional fashion imagery. While many fashion magazines focus on idealized beauty, Klein's work frequently incorporates elements of grit, drama, and psychological depth. This distinctive approach has made his photographs memorable and influential.
Anna Wintour herself offers an insight into Klein's creative process. She emphasizes his conceptual thinking and lyrical execution.
"With Steven Klein, you’ll give him a dress, and he’ll give you a girl with a dress with a robot in a garden. It’s clever, conceptual, and ultimately lyrical."
This statement highlights Klein's ability to transform simple assignments into complex, imaginative visual stories. His work pushes boundaries, making viewers reconsider their perceptions of fashion and art.
Background on Steven Klein
Steven Klein is an American fashion photographer known for his provocative and often surreal imagery. His work has been featured in numerous international fashion magazines, including various editions of Vogue, W, and Interview. Beyond still photography, Klein has also directed commercials and music videos for artists such as Madonna and Lady Gaga. His style often blends fashion with elements of fine art, cinema, and social commentary, creating powerful and often unsettling visuals.
Impact on Fashion Photography
Klein's style has had a lasting impact on fashion photography. His willingness to explore darker themes and less conventional narratives challenged the industry's norms. His images are not just about clothes; they are about emotion, power dynamics, and the human condition, often presented through a distorted or heightened reality.
The book serves as an important archive, documenting how one photographer consistently pushed creative limits within mainstream fashion publications. It demonstrates how art can influence and elevate commercial work, transforming it into something more profound.
Selected Works in the Collection
The new book includes a selection of Klein's most iconic photographs. These images showcase his range and consistent vision over two decades. Examples of included works are:
- "Domestic Woman #16," from 2019
- "The Last Femme on Earth #2," from 2013
- "The Final Frontier," from 2013
- "Catherine, Isabeli & Caroline," from 2008
- "Toxic Bloom," from 2012
- "The Last Femme on Earth #3," from 2013
- "Free Falling," from 2008
These titles suggest the diverse themes and visual narratives that Klein has explored throughout his career. Each image is designed to capture attention and invite deeper interpretation.
The Enduring Appeal of Klein's Vision
Even years after their initial publication, Klein's photographs continue to resonate. Their strong visual presence and narrative complexity ensure their place in fashion history. The book Steven Klein: Vogue provides an opportunity to revisit these works and appreciate the artist's contributions to the field.
The collection also highlights the enduring power of print media in fashion. Despite the rise of digital platforms, a physical book allows for a curated and immersive experience of such impactful photography. It allows readers to study and reflect on each image in detail, mirroring the intense engagement Klein's work demands.
The release of this book is a significant event for photography enthusiasts, fashion historians, and anyone interested in the intersection of art and popular culture. It celebrates a photographer who consistently challenged perceptions and redefined what fashion imagery could be.