Culture Shock: Steven Klein by Steven Klein
As the first and only monograph on Klein makes its debut, V goes behind the photographs to celebrate one of fashion’s most pioneering creatives to date
This story appears in V139, the Supermodel, Superhero issue: now available for purchase!
“I’m often asked what makes a good photographer a good photographer. My answer is simple: it’s a signature. A photographic style. An identifiable and unique point of view. It is what Steven Klein has always brought to the table (and now to coffee tables), with younger photographers and fashion enthusiasts being able to spot a Klein image from a mile away. I have been lucky to witness Klein on set for years, watching as he turns the likes of Lady Gaga, Gigi and Bella Hadid, and Lana Del Rey into characters within his strange and beautiful world. When I think of “the mind’s eye,” I recall time I spent on set with Klein, who would literally close his eyes as he imagined an image or a story, only to then open them and bring his vision to life. In this way, Klein shared the interiors of his mind with us, and I can think of no better gift.”—Stephen Gan, Editor-In-Chief & Creative Director, V Magazine
In a candid car ride conversation during Paris Fashion Week, V listens in while longtime collaborators Steven Klein and Patti Wilson catch up. As both creative pioneers approach new milestones in their tenure— Klein with the release of his highly anticipated eponymous retrospective tome, and Wilson slated to be honored at the recent 2022 CFDA Awards—the dynamic duo briefly reflect on their mutual admiration for one another, which continues to be the driving force behind their unrivaled collaborative kinship.
PATTI WILSON: Well, Steven, I have to start with saying you’re my favorite photographer. (Laughs) I truly do my best work with you.
STEVEN KLEIN: I do my best work with you! I’m biased of course, but I think the entire industry is in awe of you. I met Cher the other night at a dinner party, and she said you were the most special stylist she’s ever worked with.
PW: No! Did she really?
SK: Yes, she did! And she said you were the most intuitive and that you really understood her. She also talked about how she met Diana Vreeland and Jackie Kennedy.
PW: Wow! Cher is a phenomenon, her aura stayed on me for a few days after. I’ve never met anyone like her—actually, I’m looking for someone to present me with my CFDA Award.
SK: Can I do it, Patti? I’ve been practicing!
PW:(Laughs) Yes, but you better practice a lot!
SK: Can I curate the pictures you put up during the ceremony?
PW: I would love that! Would you really help me do that?
SK: Of course, I will. You’re always helping me, not to mention you’re one of my closest co-creators, so of course, I’d do that for you.
Karlie Kloss on Steven Klein:
“Being on set with Steven Klein is always an unforgettable experience. His work is provocative and boundary-pushing, both stylistically and conceptually. There is an incredible intensity on his sets, but it is a deeply collaborative and creative environment. I remember this shoot well because it was so unexpected and different for me at the time. It was avant-garde and edgy! Everything from the hair and makeup to Patti’s impeccable styling of the Comme des Garçons pieces made [the experience] super memorable.”
Joan Smalls on Steven Klein:
“I’m always in awe of Steven’s creativity and talent to create a world that transforms fashion into art. And to be a part of that is quite an honor—there’s always something to learn.”
Steven Klein is now available to purchase now on Phaidon.com
This story appears in V139, the Supermodel, Superhero issue: now available for purchase!
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