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Picture the designs of Christian Dior and Cristóbal Balenciaga. Chances are that what you see in your mind’s eye was shaped by Irving Penn, who is the subject of an exhibition at Maison Européenne de la Photographie in Paris running Sept. 30 to Jan. 17, 2027.
Irving Penn, Jean Paul Gaultier Couture (Nicole Kidman), New York, 2004. Nicola Erni Collection, Zug
© Condé Nast/ Courtesy of The Irving Penn Foundation/
“Penn & Fashion” unfolds chronologically, starting with 1950s haute couture shot on the likes of Lisa Fonssagrives, whom he married in 1950, and Jean Patchett. The show goes on to explore the 1970s where the master photographer, who collaborated with Vogue for more than six decades, captured designs by Ungaro, Courrèges, followed by the 1980s where Yves Saint Laurent and Karl Lagerfeld reigned.
Irving Penn, Bee on Lips, New York, 1995. Collection The Irving Penn Foundation, New York
© Condé Nas/ Courtesy of The Irving Penn Foundation
The final three decades of Penn’s career saw sumptuous gowns by John Galliano, the opulence of Christian Lacroix’s work and dramatic feathered pieces for Chanel catch his eye, as well as striking beauty images in Vogue in the 1990s and 2000s.
A highlight in the exhibition is his 13-year collaboration with Issey Miyake, whose sculptural creations complemented the elegant simplicity of his photographic style.
Irving Penn, Issey Miyake Fashion: Face Covered with Hair, New York, 1991 Collection de The Irving Penn Foundation, New York
Courtesy of © The Irving Penn Foundation
Drawing mainly on the MEP and Nicola Erni collections, “Penn & Fashion” also features numerous loans from The Irving Penn Foundation and the Miyake Issey Foundation.
Irving Penn, Fashion Photograph (Jean
Patchett), New York, 1949
Courtesy of © The Irving Penn Foundation
