Beyond Fashion Shows the Changing Nature of Fashion Photography

It’s time to get up close and personal with fashion photographers, as the major exhibition makes its debut at The Saatchi Gallery today.

Gone are the days when fashion photography was seen merely as a commercial endeavour. Today, it stands as a celebrated art form, gracing the walls of galleries and museums worldwide. Demonstrating this transformation, the Saatchi Gallery is opening its doors to Beyond Fashion, a major summer exhibition showcasing the brilliance of both acclaimed and emerging fashion photographers from across the globe.

Just in time for the 40^th anniversary of London Fashion Week, Beyond Fashion arrives with all its glamour, promising to captivate creatives and fashionistas worldwide. Featuring over 100 photographs by 48 photographers, the exhibition showcases the visionary work of legends like Nick Knight, Peter Lindbergh, Viviane Sassen and Miles Aldridge, alongside a collective of bustling new fashion photographers looking to make their mark.

Journeying from the glossy studio setting to the grassroots of street photography, the exhibition is split into four sections: Allure, where timeless beauty is celebrated; Fantasy, a tribute to the creativity of photographers in fashion; Realism, an exploration of the gritty authenticity captured by artists in the street; and concluding with Surrealism, where the work of emerging talents will be showcased, for whom fashion photography is about transformation and imagination.

Furthermore, visitors will be treated to a visual feast featuring some of the most iconic images, famous faces and powerhouse brands. From classic VOGUE covers to Victoria Beckham’s legs in a Marc Jacobs’ shopping back, the collection of works also features supermodels such as Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell, alongside fashion legends like Christian Dior and Alexander McQueen.

In addition to over 100 photographs, the exhibition dedicates a special section to moving images, underscoring the vital role of film in fashion imagery. This segment highlights the pioneering work of SHOWstudio, the innovative platform founded and directed by Nick Knight. As one of the foremost image-makers to embrace digital film, Knight’s contributions have redefined how fashion is presented, making him a trailblazer within the scene.

Beyond Fashion is open now until 8^th September at the Saatchi Gallery. Tickets are available here.