September 15, 2023 |
Renowned fashion photographer Steven Meisel is adding another notch to his – already lavishly laden – belt. Partnering with Spanish street-style behemoth Zara, Meisel has unveiled his first fashion collection with the retailer, entitled Steven Meisel New York, which – as the name suggests – pays homage to the trailblazing creative’s Big Apple hometown. Part of the pairing’s long-standing relationship, which kicked off with Meisel shooting Zara’s seasonal campaigns and was reaffirmed with the recent exhibition Steven Meisel 1993: A Year In Photographs in A Coruña, the offering was made possible by Zara’s parent company, Inditex.
Encompassing both menswear and womenswear, it’s a sleek embodiment of the US native’s personal style. Featuring recognisable pieces that mirror Meisel’s day-to-day wardrobe – such as a parka, a trapper hat and engineer boots – the monochromatic detailing nods to the grunge aesthetics of the ’90s, when Meisel first secured his place as a household name. Much like his photography, the drop is all parts expressive, edgy and autobiographical.
Moving into the creative’s distinctive influences, details such as crocodile print, laced-up leather and faux fur nod to the ’60s pop culture that influenced the industry icon’s most recognisable images. Capitalising on his interest in the intersection between fashion and music, second-skin sequins and tartan skirts hint at the off-duty rockers and punk-ish pop princesses that have coalesced around Meisel over the years. Harking back to the earliest stages of the elusive star’s career, thin-lined graphics remind shoppers of his start as a fashion illustrator.
A multifaceted reflection on Meisel’s life, the collaboration also sees 26 familiar faces in its razor-sharp, cosmopolitan silhouettes for an accompanying campaign. Cross-generational co-conspirators such as Amber Valetta, Irina Shayk, Gigi Hadid and Kaia Gerber are cast in black and white, acting, in some elusive way, as different faces of Meisel himself. The image maker’s super-status partner-in-fashion, Linda Evangelista, also makes a welcome, but unexpected appearance wearing a furry Ushanka and a long leather-look shirt-dress. Lending his deft eye to the camerawork, Meisel manifested a sleek vision of high-octane, fast-paced glamour alongside long-term friends Karl Templer (stylist), Pat McGrath (makeup artist) and Guido Palau (hairstylist).
Launching with a special event at London’s Dover Street Market later today, the man of the moment and a slew of his marvellous muses will be in attendance. Steven Meisel New York will be available in stores from September 18.
Photography courtesy of Steven Meisel.
