The Fashion Photography Archive contains over 600,000 catwalk, backstage and street style images digitized for the first time, which means that you will not find these anywhere else online! The full Archive launches in 2016, but we’re giving you lucky blog readers a sneak peek.
Guest edited by Emily Ardizzone, Assistant Editor, Fashion Photography Archive
All images: Niall NcInerney, Photographer. © Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Working on the Fashion Photography Archive is a real education in fashion history; I have spent many hours looking through the c.700,000 images in the archive and I am constantly amazed and surprised by what I am finding. A treasure trove for fashion lovers, from beautiful printed silk Hanae Mori creations, colourful 1980s cocktail dresses by Jean Louis Scherrer to supermodels in seriously glamourous gowns by the likes of Bella Freud and Edina Ronay in the 1990s, the archive is packed full of hidden gems you will not find anywhere else.
The archive will launch as part of Bloomsbury Fashion Central in early 2016 and we are so excited to be giving you a preview: here is a selection of our team’s favourite images from the archive. Enjoy!
Thierry Mugler, Fall/Winter 1992
Thierry Mugler made his first foray into fashion in the early 1970s working as a freelance designer working in Paris, London, Milan and Barcelona, he soon gained critical prominence for his futuristic and often hyper-sexualised designs.
Anna Wright, Publisher for Fashion:
“I have chosen this image because in an ideal world this would happen when I entered any room.”
Lacroix, Spring/Summer 1990
Christian Lacroix is known for his luxurious and theatrical designs, his designs have been worn by Madonna, Lady Gaga and of course Edina Monsoon.
Hannah Crump, Assistant Editor for Fashion and Textiles:
“I have chosen this Lacroix image because it reminds me of Brigitte Bardot’s pink gingham wedding dress!”
Valentino, Fall/Winter 1990
This collection celebrated Valentino’s 30th year of working in fashion!
Ariadne Godwin, Editorial Assistant:
“It doesn’t get more luxurious than dressing head to toe in gold!”
John Galliano for Christian Dior, Fall/Winter 1998
Galliano received critical acclaim for his work at Dior, his theatrical designs and elaborate catwalk shows are seminal moments in fashion history.
Davida Forbes, Editor for Photography:
“I have chosen this image because the pink is so bright and energetic and the quality of the colour changes across the different fabrics used. Really eye-catching!”
Hanae Mori 1983
Hanae Mori was the first Japanese woman to show her collections on the catwalks of Paris and New York. A successful designer and a savvy business woman, she is an inspiration to many young women today.
Emily Ardizzone, Assistant Editor for the Berg Fashion Library and the Fashion Photography Archive:
“I love the fluidity of this outfit, the loose cut would make this dress so comfortable to wear but the use of satin creates a sense of effortless glamour and elegance. A perfect outfit to wear whilst sipping cocktails on hot summer nights!”
Find out more about the Fashion Photography Archive »