Newton’s beguiling use of fetishistic imagery, beautiful models and glamorous surroundings took the sophistication of his predecessors and injected it with a brazen new sexuality. Building on major avant-garde art movements of the 20th century, he blended themes of glamour and voyeurism to create a style that has since become an everyday part of the fashion landscape.
Leather, stilettos and chains all feature prominently in his work. His sensuous black-and-white imagery is famous for being suggestive, carnal and underpinned with subversive hints of sadomasochism. His voyeuristic influence introduced French Vogue to a whole new gaze, and put him much in demand throughout the world through brand campaigns with Yves Saint Laurent and Versace.
Written by Bianca Gerlach
To read more about the infamous Helmut Newton head over to FIB’s Masters of Photography, vol 12 Immortals, available from Amazon and all good bookstores.