Magnum Fashion

Fashion and photography are inextricably linked; the spectacle of the catwalk, the splendor of the garments on display, even the delightful surprise of a particularly stylish stranger. Photographers have transformed these fleeting instances of beauty into timeless capsules of creative inspiration since the mid-19th century, taking the material and making it magical. 

Over the decades, fashion has provided photographers with a wealth of captivating forms and vibrant colors to weave into their images. From capturing behind-the-scenes shots of the biggest fashion shows worldwide and shooting portraits of internationally renowned couturiers in their studios, to collaborating on projects with fashion giants like Dolce & Gabbana and Saint Laurent, not to mention Martin Parr’s infamous forays into the genre, Magnum photographers have contributed innumerable images to this glamorous tradition. 

The selection of images presented in this show represents the breadth of perspective offered by Magnum, including Alec Soth’s stylized shot of Sandy Powell wearing Loewe, a revealing portrait taken from a shoot for Crash Magazine by Bruce Gilden, and an otherworldly image taken by Alex Majoli for Vanity Fair Italia’s 20th anniversary. Curated by Martin Parr himself,  visitors are invited to see fashion through his eyes. 

The show also coincides with the upcoming release of Martin Parr’s, Fashion Faux Parr, the first book to showcase the photographer’s unique take on fashion photography through more than 250 images, including some previously unpublished work, as well as two essays by Patrick Grant and Tabitha Simmons.

Visit the exhibition at the Magnum Gallery in London until March 23, 2024. Plan your visit here.

Special thanks to Epson UK.