Modeling Journey

California girl Hailey Clauson shows her versatility as a model in this beguiling editorial shot by Sebastian Kim for Numero issue no. 124. Since her debut at the Spring/Summer 2011 shows where she walked for the likes of Calvin Klein, Gucci, Versace, Lanvin and Louis Vuitton, Clauson has continued to build on that momentum by posing for such industry heavy-weights as Patrick Demarchelier for LOVE Magazine, Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott for W Magazine, Terry Tsiolis for V Man, Ellen Von Unwerth for i-D Magazine, and Peter Lindbergh for Numero. Clauson had an equally impressive Spring/Summer 2011 campaign season, appearing in campaigns for Gucci, DSquared2 and Jill Stuart. Clauson's ability to combine wholesome all-American appeal with a sophistication belying her sixteen years of age is her trump card. Having recently switched representation from Marilyn to Next Models, I predict that Clauson will be a major force in the modelling world in the years to come.

Many of the most iconic fashion images of all-time, feature models photographed in groupings by the likes of photographers; Richard Avedon, Herb Ritts, Peter Lindbergh, Steven Meisel, Annie Leibovitz, Mario Testino, Patrick Demarchelier and Irving Penn. During the nineties the emergence of the supermodel phenomenon was greatly influenced by the photographs taken of a select group of women who would eventually be referred to as the "Supes." When I think of the term "supermodel", the classic Peter Lindbergh January 1990 British Vogue cover shot of Naomi Campbell, Tatjana Patitz, Linda Evangelista, Cindy Crawford and Christy Turlington instantly springs to mind. More than 20 years have passed since I first laid eyes on this image and still, I am enthralled by its beauty, so much so that I have a print of it framed and taking pride of position in my hallway.

I love analysing the dynamic and composition of various images featuring grouped models. The first thing I look for is the suitability of the selection of models. Do their individual looks compliment each other? Are the models working in unison to achieve that singular shot which encapsulates the photographer's vision? How are the model's bodies positioned in relation to one another and in relation to the image frame. I also look for elegance of the positioning of the model's limbs and the energy which transpires between the model's themselves.

The images featured below are amongst my favourites and all project a momentous sense of occasion. One gets an inkling that there is an acknowledgement of pride and appreciation amongst the models at having been selected as one of the chosen few. I only hope that today's generation of photographers will continue to follow in the ilk of Avedon, Lindbergh et al. by allowing top-tier models the opportunity to shine in equally, beautifully composed group portraits.

I recently had the immense pleasure of viewing the Peter Lindbergh exhibition entitled "On the Streets" at the C/O Berlin exhibition space. I have been an avid admirer of Lindbergh's photographic work for most of my adult life and to see examples of his work up close and on such a grand scale was a dream come true. Lindbergh's influence on shaping the supermodel phenomenon throughout the eighties and nineties can be witnessed in the pages of Paris, British and American Vogue, Vanity Fair, Marie Claire and Harper's Bazaar during that era. Polish-born Lindbergh spent his formative years in Duisberg Germany, before moving to Berlin to study design and painting, and to pursue a career in photography. Lindbergh is recognised as one of the most renowned fashion photographers worldwide and has worked for high profile clients including Prada, Calvin Klein, Jil Sander, Karl Lagerfeld, Donna Karan and Giorgio Armani. 

Lindbergh's unembellished black and white photographs of mostly female models, even when carefully staged, often lend the appearance of a snapshot or documentary style photo. Many of Lindbergh's images are constructed without the use of dominant backgrounds or outre styling, focusing rather on naturalism and a purist aesthetic. In doing so Lindbergh is very much a visual storyteller and a bearer of people's inner souls. Lindbergh's book entitled "10 Women", features supermodels Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, Tatjana Patitz, Cindy Crawford, Helena Christensen, Christy Turlington, Kristen McMenamy, Claudia Schiffer, Kate Moss and Amber Valletta in their most powerful and fragile, straight forward and playful, and emancipated and sensual states. Many of these images are iconic and continue to influence today's generation of photographers, stylists and models.

Viva! Moda pays homage to Peter Lindbergh's iconic American Vogue "Wild at Heart" shoot featuring the original supermodels from the early nineties, in a new editorial celebrating Poland's top models. Anja Rubik, Jac Jagaciak, Anna Jagodzinska, Kasia Struss and Magdalena Frackowiak brave the urban elements for a series of sensational solo and group shots. As with the original Lindbergh editorial, Rubik, Jagaciak et al., look ready to take on the mean streets of New York wearing tiny black mini-dresses paired with leather jackets and strappy heels. Photographer Cameron Krone magically captures the individual beauty and allure of each model whilst bring a contemporary feel to the editorial.