Text, Vivian Kelly
PART II: New York High School of Fashion Industries Show, Honoring Terron Schaeffer, reported for The Fashion List
One of the evening’s highlights at the High School of Fashion Industries Show was the unique opportunity to speak with Albert Watson, one on one before the show began. Mr. Watson is one of the 20 most important fashion photographers of all time. You may have seen his work in Time, Rolling Stone or Vibe and not realized that these very different subjects were all photographed by the same man.
Christy Turlington 1990
In addition to shooting the world’s most famous supermodels for Vogue [he has over 250 Vogue covers], Mr. Watson has photographed rock legend Keith Richards, film director Alfred Hitchcock and served as the official Royal Photographer for Prince Andrew’s wedding to Sarah Ferguson.
Despite his A-list credentials, Mr. Watson is pleasant and generous with his time as some of the most influential people we’ve met who are secure in their talent and experience. Although his days of starting out in the business are long behind him, Mr. Watson recounted his formative years in LA as if they were recent history. In our interview, he stressed the importance of attention to detail and of knowing one’s fashion history as necessary tools for aspiring fashion designers. An obsession for fashion he said is also absolutely necessary as fashion is a highly competitive business. “Passion, he states, should not be swept under the rug. It is a driving force.”
Motel Phoenix 1990
These days, he told us, he splits his work between graphics and film, and has published three books of his work that show a fascinating mix of vastly diverse subjects, that range from Royalty to Vegas strippers. Some of his most interesting work is found in these personal projects, compilations of photographs he took on his travels, published in three books, “Cyclops” (1994), “Maroc” (1998) and “Shot in Vegas” (1997).
Mr. Watson is an upbeat voice that stands apart from the crowd of doomsayers who bemoan how difficult it is to break into fashion these days. “Fashion is in a bit of a lull. There’s an opportunity for a new designer to come along with something that’s new.”
To view more images, visit Albert Watson.net
Image Source: Young Gallery Photo