Fashion Friday

If you were as enamored as we were with the fist issue of New York Magazines fashtacular companion publication New York Look (review post here) fear not because issue 2 is here and lives up to all the promise of the inaugural issue. And what do you know those clever people at New York have kept with the winning formula and created another masterpiece with yet another masterclass in photo editing.

First time around it was Magnum photog Paolo Pellegrin who was responsible for almost the entire magazine; this time around its another Magnum alumn Christopher Anderson who gets a crack. Oh and yeah he turns in another tour de force hitting it out the park just as Pellegrin did. Anderson is all colour for this pairing and I have to say his talent really shines through. It all just looks so much better in the printed matter where it belongs not in a slideshow on the web so treat yourself if you can its breathtaking ! Makes you wonder what you could accomplish if handed the same brief and circumstance.

Whatever will become of Magnums own annual Fashion Magazine ? Which illustrious member of the cooperative do you think will get the green light for next seasons New York Look ?





Photos © Christopher Anderson

Heres to you New York Look and Christopher Anderson, nice one !

Nice one . . . . W

I have always had a keen interest in fashion photography after all I had my sights firmly set on being the next David Bailey, Peter Lindbergh or Steven Meisel during my formative years. I enjoyed some success working my way from front of book to well stories for Mademoiselle capping it off with the infamous 'Panty Raid' spread for Cosmopolitan a few years back. Realizing I had got as far as I could go on my talents things took a turn et voila a new journey of discovery and photographic endeavours began.

I used to eat up the fashion mags as part of my educational diet and had quite the collection. Although my passion for fashion has waned somewhat I am still a huge fan especially the photographic genre. Although I don't spend as much time as I once did trolling through all the fashion gutters every now and then I see a story that just blows my mind.

Long time collaborators Philip-Lorca diCorcia and W Magazine are at it again. This time the diCorcia show landed in Cairo for an epic 30+ pages of well epicness. To say this man has talent would be an understatement, cant help but make one wonder how far one has to go. As is the case in a story of this magnitude the web slide show here doesn't really do the trick. Treat yourself to a copy of the magazine itself or at least give it a good going over on the news stand where the big W pages were made for such a lavish production. Yes APE magazines are the proper vehicle for such beautiful work but I cannot help but wonder why they chose to feature it in all its entirety on their website and not just titillate us with a seductive sampling that might bring in a few extra hard copy sales.

And yes there are credits for the clothing although sometimes the fact that this a fashion shoot and not solely a fine art piece can seem a little blurry. diCorcia has done many features for W over the years in a similar vain but fuck does he still bring it. Why not help them spend some of their budget on realizing his own vision, I am sure we will see some of these pictures filter into his art portfolio or a future book project even a show as some of his previous outings for W have remained relevant to diCorcia long past the news stand sell by date.







Heres to you PLD and W magazine.

When Is a Fashion Ad Not a Fashion Ad ?

© Juergen Teller

Cathy Horyn pens a piece for todays New York Times Thursday Styles section trying to answer that very question by giving us an insight into the approach of 'the Master' himself Juergen Teller and his blurring of the line over the years on his ground breaking advertising campaigns for Marc Jacobs.

Worth a read here. Thanks Mark for the tip.

This is genius

I am pretty sure this a piss take but its pretty fuckin brilliant and if not its even more genius. Click here to see a preview of Mr Tellers summer 2008 campaign for Marc Jacobs with Messrs Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe.

Knowing that we are big Juergen Teller fans here at the 'Jackanory' big up to 'ghfuse' for passing the link our way.

Fashion is Fashionable

Photo © Elaine Constantine

The New York Times Thursday Styles section has a front page piece on Fashion Photography here and well you know how it is becoming fashionable in the fine art world what with the debut exibition at Art Basel Miami Beach this week and the designation of 2009 as the Year of Fashion by the International Center of Photography here in New York.

Maybe I will have to jump on the bandwagon and dust off some of my own illustrious outings for Mademoiselle and Cosmopolitan from my fashtacular past.

New York Look live

Photo © Paolo Pellegrin

New York magazines spin off fashion biannual extravaganza 'Look' now has its website up and running to accompany the printed matter. I have to say I was quite taken with the first issue and in particular with Paolo Pellegrins epic contribution, read here.

In addition to all Pellegrins pictures being now available online there are a further 48 web exclusive photos that didn't make it into the final mix. I have to say that while it is great to have access to all the imagery I prefer looking at them in the printed form as the art direction and layout really contributed to a wonderfully complete package that gets lost in the on screen slideshow presentation. Worth the perusal though none the less.

Oh and New York is offering 'Look' for sale here for $ 11.99 if you cannot track it down, be warned though thats a big mark up from the $ 5.99 news stand price.

Big up to Luke for the tip.

Nice one . . . . New York Look

Photo © Paolo Pellegrin

Wow ! That's what I said to myself when I saw the inaugural issue of Look magazine; a spin off courtesy of the fashion department at New York. This side project which I believe will be published twice a year takes their usual newsy fashion week coverage and follows it up with a more thorough, digested review of the season from the runways of New York, Milan and Paris.

So if that isn't enough to whet your passion for fashion fear not, the photographs are terrific with one man responsible for the bulk of the issue: all hail Paolo Pellegrin who has turned in a stunning performance with 40 amazing images. I am not even a huge Pellegrin fan to be honest but he nails it here.

I picked up the magazine at the supermarket the other day more out of curiosity then anything else. I didn't even browse through it just brought it home, a little something to amuse myself over lunch, if nothing else Mrs H would enjoy the read. Anyways the cover looks fine so I wasn't overly expectant of too many surprises on the inside; another precious avant guard look at the fashion world me thought.

Well fuck me Pellegrin is on another planet. His refreshing and revealing approach to an oft tackled subject is magical. He was in the thick of the action, Paris, Milan, New York; backstage, front stage, on stage and has turned in a powerhouse portfolio. Black & white and color this is a true master at the top of his game, if nothing else this makes me realize how far I have got to go. As I mentioned already I am not a huge fan of his work but he really brings the funk and the noise here. What an inspired bit of photo editing, not only in choice of photographer and in the edit/layout but also in having the balls and vision to commission one photographer to tackle an entire magazine. Oh and have I said award winning yet, if this doesn't mop some up I don't know what will.

Unfortunately the web version of Look is not up yet but is due in the next few weeks and the pictures are not yet available online. The magazine retails for $5.99 on news stands and while readily available in New York, Barnes and Noble would be your best bet elsewhere. Do yourself a favor and check it out I promise you will not be disappointed even if your not too keen on the fashion.

Here's to you Paolo !

Viewing the shot

Well of course I watched 'The Shot' last night and while certainly formulaic of the reality show competition genre I like 'A Visual Society' will probably tune in from week to week and watch this thing to the bitter end.

Russell James wasn't so bad as show hosts go, at least he managed to keep his shirt on unlike during the shows opening montage where we got to see him display his photographic assets. I am sure he will get a little smoother as the series continues. After all he has Nigel Barker the photographer judge on 'Americas Next Top Model' to guide him. I noticed on the credits that Barker is an executive producer on 'The Shot' nice one Nige thats a smart way to earn a few extra $.

So completely cheesy and unrealistic ? but the infighting has already started amongst the competitors, where do they find these people ? How about Ivan and Dean, the producers must have wet themselves big when these two winning personalities came knocking on the casting door. My wifes got her money on Maria winning the whole thing already.

Stay tuned !

Next top model

Oh yeah ! thats me (#2) above amongst the happy hipster mix modelin up some fine Calvin Klein shades for 'The Sartorialist' and the Automne-Hiver 07/08 issue of Vogue Hommes International. Although alot more comfortable in front of the camera then behind it my lack of height has seriously hampered my catwalk career but I am always available for beauty and hair campaigns where the lack of those extra inches doesn't seem to matter.

Up to his old tricks !

Well it looks like famed Italian photographer Oliviero Toscani is up to his old shock and awe tricks. Toscani was the mastermind behind the groundbreaking and oft controversial Benetton advertising campaigns of the 80's and 90's where he was not only photographer but also creative director. Most of these campaigns were pure image pieces for the brand; usually devoid of any fashion all together. Toscani's most infamous image was perhaps his portrayal of a man dying of AIDS, lying in a hospital bed, surrounded by his grieving relatives, reminiscent of a Pieta painting.

Not one to shy away from the spotlight since his Benetton departure in 2000 Toscani has continued to bring his own brand of color to the plate for other clients. This week to coincide with the fashion shows in Milan see's the launch of his latest effort on behalf of Italian fashion group Flash & Partners and their Nolita brand of clothing. The add depicting the photograph of a naked anorexic woman appears in newspapers and on billboards to highlight the effects of the illness. As you can imagine it has stirred up a ton of debate already, go here to read more.

Weekend update

It was quite the scene at Bergdorf Goodman this past Thursday for the official launch of 'New York Look Book: A Gallery of Street Fashion' by Jake Chessum and Amy Larocca. The fifth floor of the store was jammed with revellers as Jake and Amy were upfront and central totally swamped signing copies for attendees. The best thing about the shindig was that many of the people included in the book were invited and were present to add extra colour to an already stylish crowd. Spotted in the mix were Nancy Jo Iacoi of Orchard Represents, Michael Norseng and Alison Unterreiner of Esquire, Phil South from the Small Darkroom who's digital wing Picturehouse was responsible for alot of work in the book and photographers Spencer Heyfron and Kevin Trageser. Many thanks to Jake for the invite it will be great to see what opportunities open up for him as a result of all this exposure. Stay tuned maybe there will be some lessons for us all.

How fortuitous it was that Begdorfs was only round the corner from 41 East 57th street as I was also able to get myself warmed up for the above by getting to a couple of the buildings gallery openings. First up was Simon Norfolks 'I Met A Stranger From An Antique Land at the Bonni Benrubi Gallery. The artist was in attendence and also spotted was frequent Norfolk commissioner Kathy Ryan photo director at The New York Times Magazine. Then it was down too the 6th floor and the opening of the Lars Tunbjork show 'Office' at Cohen Amador where Lars did the decent thing signing the books I had brought. Spotted here was David Strettell the proprieter of Dashwood Books.

Friday night saw the Mrs and I at Found Magazines 'There Goes the Neighborhood Tour 2007 !' For those of you unfamiliar with Found I urge you to take a look see at the site and then get yourself along to the live show with the uber talented Rothbart brothers Davy and Peter. The duo have just started out on a country wide 65 city tour and will probably be somewhere near you over the coming months. Check the schedule here. I recently had the fortune on collaborating with Davy on an upcoming piece for GQ, read my full report here and discovered we had some mutual photographer friends two of whom, Michael Edwards and Jason Florio were spotted amongst Fridays full house.

Things to do tonight . . . . New York

© Sarah Silver

With Mercedes Benz Fashion Week going on full force in New York this week those of you requiring an extra fashion fix might want to tear yourselves away from the runways and get down to 'Click Chic: The Fine Art of Fashion Photography' at the Visual Arts Museum at SVA. Tonight see's the opening reception from 6.00pm to 8.00pm. The exhibition documents the vitality of fashion photography as a vehicle for creative expression, formal experimentation and social commentary. If you can't make it by the show runs through October 6 and might be well worth a look see for those of you with the passion for fashion.

The show features the work of six emerging and established photographers all graduates of SVA. The group consists of Guy Aroch, Roderick Angle, Maki Kawakita, Ryan Michael Kelly, and Sarah Silver and the show has been curated by Dan Halm.

Richardson & Son

Well it just wouldn't be right to bet back to business without mentioning Terry Richardson again now would it, only this time he's helping the old man, Bob.

For those of you who didn't know Terry isn't the only maverick in the family. Long before he whipped out the T4 and started 'Terryizing' us his dad Bob was the enfant terrible of the fashion photo world. He was a true maverick who's distinctive black and white imagery from the '60s and '70s helped capture an era; out with the fantasy and in with the reality that evoked his own edgy lifestyle. Bob didn't get into the game till his mid 30's but he enjoyed a meteoric rise to the top. Although difficult to work with his tumultuous personal life was intertwined with his art. He dated a slew of young women including Angelica Houston who became his muse at the tender age of 18. He battled with schizophrenia and lived hard experimenting with sex and drugs throughout his life. After making it big the constant battle with his demons won over and during the '80s he ended up homeless on the streets of Los Angeles.

'I wanted to put reality in my photographs. Sex, drugs and rock "n" roll. That's what was happening. And I was going to help make it happen. Boy they did not want that in America. Some of those editors were still wearing white gloves to couture.' Bob Richardson

Bob's relationship with his son Terry was very up and down to say the least. They didn't speak for many years. The pair even worked as a double act early on in Terrys career with Bob acting as art director on some of his sons first forays into the fashion world, but this didn't last.

'Mr. Richardson's pictures were radical because, more than showing youthful fashion in a liberated way, they sought to expose the life dramas that were then consuming young people.' Cathy Horyn The New York Times

Bob saw a resurgence in his own career in the mid 1990's when heroin chic was all the rage in fashion photography. Bobs edgy style was still relevant and was a continual inspiration to many shooters, fashion editors and designers. The enfant terrible was cool again and enjoyed his noteriety with a new adoring audience. I was lucky enough to attend a lecture Bob gave during this time in NYC. I have to be honest I don't remember much of the talk; I was a young one not aware of his legacy and influence but he was shit cool and only appeared a little worn around the edges.

'There's no textbook, no award, but there is this Bob Richardson school of photography. And it's an anti-school. He was the first guy who said it was OK to underexpose the film, to not show the clothes. So many photographers when I first started out idolized Bob. He was sort of an underground figure.' Bruce Webber

Bob died in 2005 at the age of 77 (read obituary here) and now two years later comes the first book dedicated to his work. Edited by Terry and art directed by Douglas Lloyd it is divided into three sections. The first is his early work from the '60s and '70s, the second is his autobiography with some snapshots he took and notes he wrote, the third consists of images he took on a cross-country roadtrip from L.A. to New York.

The book coming in at 352 pages is published by Damiani and is available September 1.

Testino revealing Testino

Keeping up with the this weeks fashion beat; courtesy of CNN go here to see and here to read about the inner workings of one of the worlds top fashion shooters, Mario Testino as he reveals himself. Its all terribly glamorous, just the way you imagine it should be, travel, fashion shows, go-sees, supermodels, top designers, studios, sets, royalty and he doesn't even seem to break a sweat as he traverses the globe mixing commerce and art or should that be art and commerce. Watch him and his team go through the motions from concept to execution on a Versace campaign. Will he use models or celebrities or both, how about a celebrity guest starring with models ? Genius ! I won't spoil the ending so plug in and stay tuned as one segment rolls into another and this is in turn followed by the final climactic third act, watch the video and you will know what I mean.

Magazine under review . . . . W 09/07

Weighing in at a mighty 4.5 pounds and 640 pages the September issue of W is certainly a door stopper. The cover girl, Gwyneth 'I made you look, didn't think it was me did you ?' Paltrow comes courtesy of Steven Klein who continues his treatment on the inside, see more here. I have been trying to put my finger on who she looks like in these photos et volia she reminds me of the young Cybil Shepard ala The Last Picture Show.

Its chock a block full of ads up front and gradually gives way to more meaningful fair. Though its 299 pages before you get to the letter from the editors. Most of the pictures run pretty small in the front of book, a usual W trait. There is however a fantastic but intense full page portrait of Jodie Foster by Collier Schorr that really stands out.

Photo © Mert & Marcus

The well is heavy on the fashion with heavyweights Mert and Marcus, Craig McDean and Mario Sorrenti all contributing in their own inimitable styles. Although the one story that really caught my eye came courtesy of 'the Master' Juergen Teller, see here and here.

I wasn't going to go much further then this in reviewing the issue when I was thinking on Sunday what I was going to post this week, but on the back of Jeff Singers comment here on yesterdays post I guess it would be wrong not to expand a little on Teller and his shoot. Although I did give him a mention here last week.

Richardson V Teller, Terry V Juergen, America V Germany, Popculture V Eurostyle, White trash V Aristocracy, Hot dog V Bratwurst ? It's all about who's got the bigger sausage isn't it ? I haven't spent much time studying and comparing their personal assets but I admire both of these photographers immensely. To me Teller is the more sophisticated of the two, although both are practitioners of the point and shoot aesthetic he brings that European cool to his imagery. Like Terry he could be considered a one trick pony but he is so much more then that. His pictures are always engaging and he constantly manages to push the limit. Don't get me wrong I don't love everything these two do, if I had to favor one though I think Teller would be ahead by a nose.

Photos © Juergen Teller

I really like the fashion story Juergen has in W. It is quite an eye opener and really stands out amongst the other, more polished spreads which all feature young flawless models. This time out he gives Laura Dern his personal attention in 'Fashion Party' where she plays the Lady of the Manor adorned in tailored coats and shining evening numbers. Remember you can't judge the merits of a fashion story the same way as a portrait or reportage feature. Its supposed to be about the clothes and there is always a concept, no matter how obscure and irrelevant it may seem to the outsider but to the insider this is the backbone of the story.

'I depend heavily on the models personality; at least I wanted to depend on this because I'm interested in personal reactions' Teller (2002)

The idea is pretty obvious in this one and Dern certainly seems to have embraced her role. Its not a beauty story and while the pictures are for the most part extremely unflattering they are exquisite in their own right. While I don't think each shot is a masterpiece as a complete story it terrific, backed up by a strong layout. This is where W excels, while they might be a little stingy up the front of the book they give all the pictures the room they need here. I cannot imagine that Laura did not know what she was getting herself into. She has brought her skill set to the part, and turns in an enthralling performance. Its all make believe anyways, fashion fantasy, although I feel that these pictures (like alot of Tellers fashion work) would stand up on their own as individual portraits, they have an unnerving reality. I think these are the type of fashion photographs I like best, where they blur the line between the fantasy and reality.

Not one to just rant on on with my rantings I sought out a little professional help in analyzing this story a little further. I consulted with friend and super talented stylist Jennifer Hitzges to give greater insight on the shoot from the other perspective, heres her take on it and not a mention of an f-stop or filter to be found.

'I love it, it is a story about facade, how the wealthy have to keep up appearances and look good for the neighbors on the outside but lead a pretty nutty existence when they are on their own playing dress up in the big house. In some shots she is so composed and picture ready on the surface then in others she is indulging her need to be a child

The girl (her daughter ?) is just trying to fit in like her mother, trying to find her place in society she is younger and prettier but no less insecure and lonely, she probably needs anxiety pills to get herself out the door to face society

The final shot where she wears the blue coat reminds me of Anette Benning in American Beauty she looks like she is covering this unhappiness'

I wasn't thinking in these conceptual terms and looking for higher meaning. I like what I like and these pictures I likey.

Magazine under review . . . . VF 09/07

September sees the return of the blockbuster issue as magazines shed their slim summer bindings and get ad heavy as we jump into the Fall. Vanity Fair is always the first out of the gates to hit the newsstands. I don't think its the biggest ever but it certainly packs some bulk with 232 pages of advertising and fluff before we hit an article of any substance.

Photos © Roe Ethridge

It's the usual mix of fashion and automotive advertising. I have to say nothing really caught my eye, the one stand out being Roe Ethridge's pictures for Commes des Garcons although these were not directly commissioned and are from a series Roe shot some time back. Annie seems to be ever popular as she lenses numerous campaigns this season including a turn at reviving the Gap's fortunes with their 'Classics Redefined' collaboration a homage to earlier print successes. Its the usual mix of chosen ones, actors, musicians and includes this rather odd portrait of actress/comedian Sarah Silverman, yes that's really her below playing supermodel, retouch free ?

Photo © Annie Leibovitz

Giselle graces the cover ala Mario Testino and he holds the well down with a 24 page fashtacular set in Brazil featuring a bevy of local beauties. I didn't really love it, nothing new it was fresh five years ago. Come on Mario give us a little of that old Peruvian magic next time. See Giselle get her cover groove on here as its shot in Manhattan not Rio, its amazing what they can do these days. Then we have all the usual suspects, Jonas Karlsson giving Ralph Lauren his treatment, Patrick Demarchelier, Annie Leibovitz doing George Clooney doing George Clooney, Jonathan Becker and Todd Eberle, who looks like he may have started to dabble in digital, theres something a little off about the reproduction, maybe its just me, winding up the show. Oh and you can throw Brett Ratner into the mix, yes that Brett Ratner, film/video director and friend to the stars Brett Ratner, the mastermind behind Rush Hour 1, 2 and 3. Bretts been dabbling in the still world for sometime now both editorially and commercially. Why not if you can, right ? And just in case you haven't had enough of Brett yet go here to see behind the scenes footage and then go here he's got a blog too.

My favorite pictures in the issue accompany a piece on the recently deceased Isabella Blow. For those of you that don't know about her she was a major figure on the fashion scene, difficult to quantify she wore many guises, a madly eccentric British aristocrat, an icon, a muse, a stylist, a talent scout, the quintessential mad hatter, never one to be seen in public with out some other worldly creation a top her head courtesy of milliner extraordinaire and Blow discovery Phillip Treacy. It would appear in the end that she loved fashion more then the fashion world loved her back. She had been struggling for some time to find her place and relevance in an ever fickle business. For someone who seemed so alive and high on life and fashion it was sad to read more about her and discover that she led in fact a quite dark and tumultuous existence. After numerous attempts to take her own life she was finally successful in May of this year. The final picture in the feature (not the pic above) was taken days before her death by one of my favorite (fashion) photographers the brilliant Tim Walker.

More Martin Parr . . . . does the man ever stop !

Photos © Martin Parr

Just when you thought there wasn't another minute in the day perenial 'Whats the Jackanory ?' favorite Martin Parr has another collaboration up his sleeve. Not only is it already completed its currently on show in Tokyo, where does he find the time ? So far this year he's done this, this and this I am sure I am only scratching the surface. Like or dislike his photography you got to give the man some props he is with out doubt one of the most prolific artists of our time.

The latest project I discovered is a hook up with ace British designer Paul Smith. 'Paul Smith @ Ilford' is a series of fashion photographs taken by Parr of people on the streets of Ilford, Essex, England wearing Paul Smiths Autumn/Winter '07 collection.

What makes this series even more remarkable is that Parr has forsaken the use of flash and some of the pictures evoke another era, perhaps 70's or 80's Britain. Did he do this on purpose ? or maybe he left the ring light on the train up by mistake ? The man never ceases to amaze and inspire.

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Martin at the 'Colour before Color' show still up at Hasted Hunt in NYC. I was a bundle of nerves as one is when meeting an idol, managed to fumble my way through 30 seconds of conversation, got him to sign my copy of 'The Last Resort' and presented him a shrink wrapped copy of my own upcoming monograph 'A Room with a View' (more on that later). There are only 4 copies of the book in existence at the moment and he has one. I wonder did he ever take the time to open it ? I am sure he did he is a stand up bloke. Hey Martin if you are reading this let me know what you thought, oh and by the way I am looking for someone to write the forward, do us a favor between all the jet setting and put pen to paper and help an editorial photographer attempting a little fine art get a bit of street cred.

Heres to you Martin Parr, your the dogs bollox !

Behind the scenes

Photo © Robert Wright

For those of you who like a little behind the scenes action, go here as Robert Wright documents a recent trip to Paris assisting famed photographer Sheila Metzner as she works her own fashion magic on an ad campaign for Cartier. Theres some great pics and it all looks terribly glamorous doesn't it.

It brings back memories of my own time in Paris assisting on the fashion beat, late starts, long lunches, late finishes. A typical shoot day went a little something like this, 1 shot by 12 noon, 2 by 1pm, a lazy liquid lunch till 3pm, 3rd shot by 4pm, 4th by 5pm, 5th by 6pm, 6th by 7pm, 7 & 8 by 8pm, et finis. It always seemed to go like clockwork, you could set your watch by it.

Anyways check out how Sheila gets her Briese on, an inside joke. Funny ha ha !

Its a real beauty !

Anyway there I was yesterday morning on my way to lunch with 'inspirator' Jake Chessum when I found myself wandering down Bond street as I like to do, checking out on the block construction progress, with a particular eye on Mario Testinos new digs in the new Herzog and De Meuron building at # 40 and catching a look @ what titles were on window display @ Dashwood Books. It was early enough so they were still shuttered but there it was winking at me from amongst the showcased titles, book of the year contender # 4, 'British Watchtowers' by Donovan Wylie, see earlier post here. Bummer I didn't think it was out yet, I had a busy day, but set my sights on a later return.

It was great to catch up with Jake. He has just finished traveling the world working on a major international advertising campaign. Its due out in September/October that's all I can say for now but he did shoot it all on film, very ballsy ! Hopefully Jake will give me some insight in to the process and share his experiences from the road when the ads are released. Would be a nice change to hear about someone else's travel/job experiences rather than my own.

Jake was followed by a meeting at Milk Studios to discuss a possible collaboration (more news soon if it comes to fruition). This was followed by a meeting with 'The Sartorialist'. Finally got back to Dashwood around 4.00pm which all worked out great as I was due to meet new friend Cameron Wittig, in town from Minneapolis for a 5.00pm pint. Check out his fine new updated site here.

Thats the problem with Dashwood isn't it, it is impossible to enter and walk away with out making a purchase. Very dangerous ! I was very good and managed to extricate myself with Wylies book alone, which had just arrived by the way. I had a fab chat with proprietor David Strettell and will have another exciting announcement following our conversation to come soon.

All in all a very fruitful day. Oh and 'British Watchtowers' is a real beaut ! I was expecting a physically larger book, I don't know why but it is perfectly proportioned and the images, layout and printing are exquisite, a must have.

This just in

Womens Wear Daily is reporting this morning that :

Martin Parr, whose color-drenched photos often feature unglamorous folk and fashions of dubious taste, is training his lens on luxury and chic for a change. Word has it Parr was tapped to shoot Louis Vuitton's men's campaign for fall. It is expected to break in select September fashion magazines.

Martin is no stranger to fashion and has recently been collaborating with Turkish Jeans Company Mavi on their advertising. The project culminated in the publishing of "Parrjective" a book celebrating Mavis 15th birthday and the city of its inception Istanbul.