Fashion

Steven Klein explains 5 iconic photos with Naomi Campbell, Brad Pitt, Kim Kardashian, and Madonna

Published

5 months ago

October 14, 2022

Editor YY

After a thirty-year-long career, photographer Steven Klein has published his very first monograph with Phaidon, in which he gathers hundreds of his greatest shots featuring Brad Pitt, Kim Kardashian, and Madonna.

Interview by Camille Bois-Martin

Steven Klein, Self Portrait. Courtesy Steven Klein studio.

His photographs are unlike any others. For nearly three decades, Steven Klein has been developing a universe that is both subversive and sexy, where saturated colors, BDSM accessories and explicit nudity are regulars. Less sought-after by fashion magazines like Vogue and W now, with which he has collaborated since the 1990s, the American photographer born in 1965 has brought together some of his most beautiful series in his first monograph, as a testimony of not only his singular talent, but of the creative freedom of his time. While imposing, this book is far from being a complete survey of his prolific career and only includes some of his most iconic portraits. With the support of art critic Mark Holborn, Steven Klein has picked up hundreds of archive photographs that recounts the story of his work, in a way a film with a beginning and an end would do. We come across Brad Pitt covered in blood, a neck sliced in two, a horse in black and white, or Madonna with her lover lying on a bed… So many images with an exceptional narrative potential in which he exalts the beauty of bodies. The Rhode Island School of Design, where he studied, and his anatomical drawings, have a direct influence on his work. For Numéro, Steven Klein shares the secrets of five cult photographs.

Kim Kardashian, New York City, 2018 © Steven Klein. All Rights Reserved

1. Kim Kardashian, New York City, 2018

“For this shoot, we drew our inspiration from a Japanese anime. I think that this photograph almost looks like a painting with its very bright colors. While Kim was posing, she was waiting for a call from President Trump. At that time [in 2018], she was negotiating the release of Alice Marie Johnson, an African American woman wrongly accused of murder who spent 20 years in jail. She had met with Donald Trump in Washington shortly before that to discuss the situation, and he was to call her back on the day of the photoshoot. While she was posing for this photo, her assistant came in in a hurry and shouted, “President Trump is on the phone!” She quickly got dressed and, next thing she knew, she was standing there, self-composed, talking to the President of the United States in her robe. He told her that he was going to pardon Alice Marie Johnson. I remember she felt ecstatic and relieved. On this photo she is proud. Many people might just see Kim Kardashian posing naked for a photographer, when she had just released a woman from prison at that very moment. This photo is completely filled with power”.

Naomi and Kate, Meatpacking District, New York City, 1994 © Steven Klein. All Rights Reserved

2. Naomi and Kate, Meatpacking District, New York City, 1994

“I have known Naomi since she was 16. In 1994, I had already been working with her for eight years. We have a beautiful relationship. As for Kate, it was the first time I worked with her because I had just met her on the streets of New York. I couldn’t stop photographing her, my lens was drawn to her like a magnet. For this shoot, we worked with Edward Enninful, a stylist for i-D Magazine at the time [now he is the editor-in-chief of Vogue UK], and he arrived with two vintage Biba dresses from the 70s that he literally cut up! I remember that shoot very well. It took place one evening outside my studio, which at the time was in the Meatpacking district, where a lot of transvestites and prostitutes used to gather. While I was photographing Naomi and Kate, a small crowd gathered around us because no one could believe it was really Naomi [who was already very famous]. When they finally recognized her, the crowd became agitated. I think it was the first time Naomi and Kate had been photographed together”.

Brad Pitt #36, New York City, 2004 © Steven Klein. All Rights Reserved

3. Brad Pitt #36, New York City, 2004

“This photo is actually a head cast of Brad Pitt, which was made for a series published in a magazine. So, it is not really him. The idea was to make it look like a statue, or a marble sculpture covered in blood. Mark [Holborn, the photographer and art critic] calls it “the bleeding head”, because he sees it more as an image of a head bleeding rather than a portrait of Brad Pitt. I covered his face with red paint to represent the blood, but without going for gore. I think red is a very strong color, it brings life into the photograph. Although I have done a lot of portraits in my career, they don’t really represent a person to me – they are a mere facade, the physicality of someone caught in a specific staging. In this photograph of Brad Pitt, the blood represents the connection between the body and the soul, a theme I explored later in my Cut-throats series [2005] in which I photographed severed necks. Ultimately, it is more a cynical critique of portraiture than gore photography”.

Madonna and Jesus, Hotel Glória, Rio de Janeiro, 2008 © Steven Klein. All Rights Reserved

4. Madonna and Jesus, Hotel Glória, Rio de Janeiro, 2008

“I have an incredible relationship with Madonna. We have been working together for over twenty years on different projects, such as her albums, tours, or music videos. Not everyone knows this, but we have done a lot of photo series, starting with this one, Blame it on Rio. I joined her in Rio, while she was touring in Brazil. We often create a character in our shoots, and in this case, Madonna was a casino player on holiday in the South-East of France. We had the entire Glória Hotel for ourselves, as it was about to close. The night before, we hosted a party and had models coming from Europe for the occasion. It was a kind of street casting, but also a way to get to know each other. It was the night Madonna met Jesus [her partner from 2008 to 2010], and they ‘consummated’ their relationship for the first time on that photograph in the hotel’s presidential suite”.

Killer Heels, Mechanophilia, Barbara Fiahlo, New York City, 2014 © Steven Klein. All Rights Reserved

5. Killer Heels, Mechanophilia, Barbara Fiahlo, New York City, 2014

“Mark chose this photograph for the book cover because of the contrast it would create between the red and white colors [the book cover is white]. I think he was right because it sums up my whole world: blood red, fashion, morbidity, suspense… Like in all my pictures, you don’t really know what’s going on or what just happened. There are disturbing and dangerous elements like those stripes on the floor and the almost sharp tip of the stilettos. This image triggers many questions. It comes from the Killer Hills series that I made in 2008 as a commission work for the Brooklyn Museum, which was preparing an exhibition on footwear. I wanted to play on the ambivalence of heels – a woman can feel powerful but also suffer wearing them. I think it is a nice introduction to the photographs that follow in the pages of my book”.

“Steven Klein”, edited and with an essay by Mark Holborn, Phaidon, €175.

Click to comment

Fashion

The Skinny Scarf Is Back and Better Than Ever for Spring

This time around, it’s a little more sophisticated.

Published

5 days ago

March 15, 2023

admin

@KAIAGERBER/INSTAGRAM

2023 has been a year of seasonless dressing. Think about it: tights as pants, sheer dresses, underwear as outerwear, a lot of this winter’s viral trends pretty much ignore the fact that it’s 30-something degrees in most of the country. And with winter winding down, it follows that spring’s warm weather would bring about some equally off-kilter trends for the temperature. Case in point: the rise of the skinny scarf.

Bella Hadid in a skinny scarf — GETTY IMAGES

If your TikTok FYP looks anything like mine, you may have heard of last fall’s kooky “Frazzled English Woman” trend. An ode to messy layering, the aesthetic is all about embracing the rom-com side of Y2K fashion (aka dressing like your love interest is Colin Firth). In this iteration, the skinny scarf acts as quirky add-on to a frazzled outfit ideal for spilling coffee on yourself as you jaunt around in the fall splendor of your chosen backdrop. And while it’s not necessarily the warmest option, it does the trick in autumn temps—plus, part of its charm is its very impracticality.

https://www.byrdie.com/embed?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40cuteandperfectalways%2Fvideo%2F7150684670290676997&id=mntl-sc-block_1-0-5-iframe&options=e30%3D&docId=7253048

This spring, the trend is back, but with a different attitude. 2023’s crop of skinny scarves are even more impractical, sporting even less coverage and coming in sophisticated fabrics rather than quirky knits. Think of it as the femme version of a tie: It’s there just to look good, nothing else. And while the Y2K era favored a—let’s just call it “random”—approach to styling, the 2023 version is undeniably chic, as celebs and it girls go with a matchy-matchy approach.

Kaia Gerber wearing a skinny scarf — GETTY IMAGES

Take, for example, the indie sleaze version of the look Celine sent down the runway on Kaia Gerber. Featuring sunnies, leather skinnies, a sharp tuxedo blazer, and a white tee, the gold skinny scarf is really the exclamation point on an otherwise classic outfit—it’s an outfit formula I’ve already seen pop up on my FYP on more than a few occasions. For a more ethereal version of the look, check out the about-to-go-viral bustier top featuring a built-in skinny scarf from Orseund Iris. With its blousy fabric and matching tube top (that’s two trends for the price of one), this skinny scarf set is giving Greek goddess, rather than harried heroine.

https://www.byrdie.com/embed?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fp%2FCl4jjZOvToi%2F&id=mntl-sc-block_1-0-12-iframe&options=e30%3D&docId=7253048

Of course, it wouldn’t be a 2023 trend without mentioning a cool-prep option for the Sporty Spices out there. There’s Bella Hadid’s horse girl version—in which she paired a checked jacket and tan blouse with skinny brows (bold) and a matching tan skinny scarf (even bolder)—if you’re feeling weird. There’s also plenty of inspiration from Miu Miu, a brand that’s spurred more viral trends than we can count in recent years (hello ballet flats, leg warmers, and micro minis). The brand’s fall 2022 collection paired crisp white tennis skirts, plenty of layers, and satin ballet slippers with a simple skinny scarf for that added bit of texture—and you can bet these styles will still be around come spring.

Skinny Scarf on the Miu Miu Runway — GETTY IMAGES

When it comes to styling, think of this trend as an alternative (or addition to) your jewelry. It’s not necessarily there to stand out (or even really keep you warm). Go sophisticated and classic with your styling (rather than the loud more-is-more attitude of the ’00s) to keep it current. Think of a classic weekend formula like jeans and a tank top—a cool bomber jacket and a skinny scarf would add a bit of much-needed edge to the look. Or take a page out of the preppy handbook and pair an oversized v-neck sweater (we recommend a solid like navy, black, or white) with a contrasting skinny scarf to take a year-round staple to the next level.

https://www.byrdie.com/embed?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fp%2FCi9BcrVra4_%2F&id=mntl-sc-block_1-0-19-iframe&options=e30%3D&docId=7253048

In essence, this trend is about playfulness. While transitional weather continues to confuse and frustrate throughout March, this simple accessory can add a bit of fun to the classics we reach for this time of year. After all, the skinny scarf serves no purpose other than being cute and, as such, can take a “boring” look from forgettable to trendy in five seconds flat.

Celebrity Style

Hunter Schafer’s Oscars After-Party Look Consisted of a Single Feather

Everyone’s talking about the ‘Euphoria’ star’s revealing avant-garde outfit. Here’s what to know about Belgium’s Ann Demeulemeester, the label behind it.

Published

6 days ago

March 14, 2023

admin

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GETTY IMAGES

It’s hard to imagine how a single feather could go viral. But then along came Hunter Schafer wearing a white leather one across her breasts at the Vanity Fair Oscars 2023 after-party.

The top — which is more of a breast belt — was from the Ann Demeulemeester Fall 2023 collection which was unveiled exactly two weeks earlier in Paris. The Mugler fragrance model wore the piece with a white silk bias cut skirt.

Law Roach, the stylist who dresses Schafer’s Euphoria co-star Zendaya, chose the skin-baring look which was applauded on Schafer’s IG by Zendaya, Katy Perry, Julia Fox and Marc Jacobs. (P.S. if you missed FASHION’s cover story on Law Roach, you can find it here.)

Fashion

Jennifer Lopez Has Carried This Constantly Sold-Out Bag for Years, and Now I Finally Get the Hype

It’s so soft and spacious.

Published

6 days ago

March 14, 2023

admin

PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES/ COACH

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

Growing up, I remember my mom carrying her leather Coach crossbody bag everywhere. As for me, opening a Coach wristlet for my 13th birthday was a shining moment. Needless to say, Coach has been a household name for years — especially in my own home — and the brand continues to create functional and eye-pleasing designs. Its go-to handbags have captured the attention of shoppers and celebs, including its brand ambassador, Jennifer Lopez.

Recently, Coach sent me the Pillow Tabby Shoulder Bag 26 to try, which is the same style bag that J.Lo posed with in its previous campaign. I was excited to test out the bag that has graced Lopez’s Instagram, and I took every opportunity to wear this versatile accessory out and about — and it did not disappoint.

Shop now: $550; coach.com

Not only is the Tabby shoulder bag just as luxe and buttery soft as I imagined it would be, it’s also practical, having more storage space than I expected. The fabric-lined interior contains three separate compartments made up of two open sections that are divided by a wide-zippered pocket. The separate spaces made it easy to grab essentials like my lip gloss and phone. I was even able to keep a snack bar and a pack of tissues in the bag with room to spare. I filled the zippered pocket with valuables like my wallet and keys. For peace of mind, I appreciate that all of my belongings were securely stored thanks to the sturdy snap closure.

Pillow Tabby Shoulder Bag 26 — INSTYLE / SARAH BYRON

Shop now: $550; coach.com

The Tabby shoulder bag has an ultra-smooth leather exterior with Coach’s “C” emblem on the snap. Its simple yet sophisticated design makes it easy to wear with a casual look like jeans and sweater or to dress up a midi skirt and camisole. It also comes with a wide strap, so I had the option to swap out the comfy, short shoulder strap and use it as a crossbody instead. The bag came along for all my weekend plans from a birthday party to a quick market run. I even styled it like Lopez did in her campaign with Coach last spring and wore the bag with joggers and a crewneck sweatshirt to grab a coffee.

It’s no surprise that shoppers raved about this celeb-worn bag. One reviewer said the inner lining of their Tabby bag “feels so rich,” adding that the color of the leather is “heavenly.” Another shared that they “feel so confident” when they wear this bag, and that the design is “timeless.” A third described it as “useful” and “playful,” noting that the Tabby style “makes a statement.”

Head to Coach to grab this Jennifer Lopez-worn bag and more styles from the Tabby Collection. Trust me, it’s worth the hype.