Selling Dreams – One Hundred Years of Fashion Photography

Simone wears fashion by Venet, River Seine, Paris. American Harper’s Bazaar, March 1963
Melvin Sokolsky
© Melvin Sokolsky / Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Selling Dreams – One Hundred years of Fashion Photography is currently showing at the State Library of NSW this fabulous exhibition features works from William Klein, Richard Avedon and Helmut Newton as well as David Bailey, Arthur Elgort and Lillian Bassman.

The camera work is simple and dramatic with models cleverly multiplied by mirrors or obscured by wispy veils until only a hint of line and form remain. Through it all though, the form, cut and personality of the dress and wearer shines through. Unexpected angles, cropping and low point of view create a feeling of being a voyeur with the shots unfolding before your eyes.

Helmut Newton’s juxtaposition of lithe women against simple, minimalistic backgrounds highlights the magic of good choreography. A start contrast to today’s point of view.

My personal favorites  were by Arthur Elgort, with a personal snap taken on the streets of New York of the makeup artist Wendy Whitelaw and images by Lillian Bassman using reflected light to accentuate situation and intimacy between the models in ‘by night, shining wool’.

Within this exhibition is a selection titled ‘Australian Glamour’ featuring a fabulous model Maggie Tabberer with images by Helmut Newton and Rob Hillier who shot for Vogue and Fashion and Society respectively.

A heads up, Maggie is gorgeous and the images represent the transition of Australia onto this international stage.

The whole exhibition is worthy of some considerable time to acquaint yourself with a candid look into ‘selling dreams, not clothes’ – quote by Irving Penn

You should not miss this event.

It’s free.

The only Australian venue is at the State Library of NSW until November 10.