model as muse

for anyone who loves fashion, well designed and crafted clothes are like pieces of wearable art. but anyone with enough money or status can wear beautiful clothes...it takes talent to use one's wardrobe to tell a story, to push fashion forward, and to inspire.

this is essentially the premise of the met's current exhibit, "the model as muse: embodying fashion." the exhibit chronologically explores "the reciprocal relationship between high fashion and evolving ideals of beauty," through original pieces, video footage, and photography.

the exhibit is geared towards an audience with an interest in fashion, but anyone with an open mind can appreciate good fashion photography. a photographer can take the clothes and the muse and give them depth. this is a unique feat in an industry known ultimately for its superficiality. so if for no other reason, check out the exhibit at the met for its iconic photography.

as a good supplement to the exhibit (which was partly and blatantly sponsored by conde nast) the may issue of british vogue ran a piece called "my inspiration," in which fashion insiders "describe the shot that altered their perspective forever." my short list:

melvin sokolsky for harper's bazaar



jean shrimpton by david bailey



paris, simone daillencourt, rinascenti by william klein



penelope tree by david bailey



kate moss

guy bourdin

the list could go on, and it does here.