Horst directing fashion shoot with Lisa Fonssagrives, 1949. Photo by Roy Stevens / Time & Life Pictures / Getty Images.
Summer Fashions, American Vogue Cover, 15 May 1941. Conde Nast / Horst Estate.
Corset by Detolle for Mainbocher, 1939. Conde Nast / Horst Estate.
Round the Clock, New York, 1987. Conde Nast / Horst Estate.
Dress by Hattie Carnegie, 1939. Conde Nast / Horst Estate.
This Autumn the V&A presents the work of the late master photographer Horst P. Horst – an icon of photography in the 20th century. ‘Horst: Photographer of Style‘ showcases 250 photographs, alongside haute couture garments, magazines, film footage and ephemera from the German photographer’s career.
The exhibition displays Horst’s work, mirroring the advancements in photography of the time, beginning with black-and-white photographs from the Vogue Paris archives proceeding to colour prints – Horst became one of the first photographers to perfect new colour techniques. Included are vintage prints and more than 90 Vogue covers shot by Horst as well as lesser known aspects of his work such as nude studies and travel photography.
Martin Roth, Director of the V&A stated, “Horst was one of the greatest photographers of fashion and society and produced some of the most famous and evocative images of the 20th century. This exhibition will shine a light on all aspects of his long and distinguished career.”
The exhibition still runs until 4th January 2015.
Olivia Hepburn
