Horst P. Horst

My favourite museum in London, and a showcase of one of fashion's favourite photographers. The Victoria and Albert Museum payed tribute to Horst P. Horst in an exhibition of his work from his illustrious career spanning 6 decades. A legend in his field as well as in general, his photographs have become iconic statements of elegance, style, and classic movie star glamour. Much of his style reminds me of a lecture we had on icons of fashion. That old fashioned Hollywood charm speaks through his many of his images, especially the very elegant, black and white portraiture photos. Everything about his photos are dramatic and memorable. The black and whites are so minimal, just concentrating on contrast and light to achieve the perfect picture. The simplicity of the images makes the skill behind them even more admirable and the results even more beautiful. 

I find there is something very romantic about his style. When walking through the gallery I couldn't help but be transported back to a time of sophistication, refinement and champagne saucers. 




94 original Vogue covers shot by Horst were displayed at the exhibition, each of them beautifully preserved, more like pieces of art under the glass cabinets, not magazine covers. His sketch books were also laid out on display, like windows into the workings of the mind of a truly talented and creative genius. 

Vogue cover August 1957

There was a lot to take from the exhibition, the fact that I had only ever regarded Horst as a fashion photographer before, and knew nothing about his work with Surrealism, Nude Photography, Travel documentation as well as prints and patterns that he also photographed. It definitely gave an interesting insight into all of his work, and walking around the actual exhibition room an incredible visual experience that left me feeling a sense of longing afterwards…I want to be photographed by Horst. However that's not possible, so in the meantime I'm just going to satisfy my desire by learning and absorbing as much as his work as possible. Ultimately I would highly recommend visiting the exhibition, even if you aren't interested in fashion, you can still appreciate the remarkable talent of a man that provided so much influence to photography today, and that's something pretty special.