Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, collectively known as Mert and Marcus, are two renowned fashion photographers who work as a symbiotic duo, who have left an indelible mark on the world of designer fashion. They have had many memorable partnerships with brands including Givenchy, D2squared. Versace and Balmain, but it is their long running partnership with Gucci brand that THE IMAGE MAKERS will be exploring in its next chapter.
With their distinct visual style characterised by bold colours, cinematic compositions, and a touch of surrealism, they have become synonymous with high-fashion glamour and sophistication.
Mert Alas, born in Turkey, and Marcus Piggott, hailing from Wales, first met in 1994 while studying at the same photography school in London. Recognising their shared artistic vision and complementary skills, they decided to collaborate, and thus began their remarkable partnership. Their unique blend of talent, creativity, and technical expertise soon caught the attention of the fashion world, propelling them to the forefront of the industry.
Mert and Marcus’s style can be described as opulent, provocative, and visually arresting. Their images often exude a sense of glamour and sensuality, capturing the essence of their subjects with a heightened intensity. They skillfully combine elements of fashion, art, and popular culture, resulting in visually striking photographs that push the boundaries of traditional fashion photography.
One of Mert and Marcus’ most notable and enduring collaborations has been with the iconic Italian luxury brand, Gucci. Their partnership with Gucci has spanned several years and has resulted in numerous memorable campaigns and editorials. Let’s delve into some of their notable collaborations with Gucci, exploring the distinct characteristics and impact of each.
1. Gucci Pre-Fall 2009 Campaign:
Mert and Marcus collaborated with Gucci for their Pre-Fall 2009 campaign, which featured Swedish model Freja Beha Erichsen. The campaign showcased a blend of classic Gucci aesthetics with a contemporary twist. The images exuded a sense of vintage allure, with luscious colors, rich textures, and a touch of playful decadence.
2. Gucci Spring/Summer 2011 Campaign:
In this campaign, Mert and Marcus captured the essence of Gucci’s vibrant and glamorous style. The images featured models Karmen Pedaru and Joan Smalls in a sun-drenched, tropical setting. The photographs exuded a sense of exoticism, with bold prints, vivid colours, and a luxurious atmosphere.
3. Gucci Fall/Winter 2013 Campaign:
Mert and Marcus collaborated with Gucci for their Fall/Winter 2013 campaign, creating a series of captivating images that embodied the brand’s modern elegance. The campaign featured models Anja Rubik and Karmen Pedaru, portraying them in a sophisticated and sensual manner. The photographs showcased Gucci’s sleek tailoring, luxurious fabrics, and refined aesthetics.
4. Gucci Pre-Fall 2016 Campaign:
For this campaign, Mert and Marcus captured the essence of Gucci’s eclectic and whimsical style. The images featured a diverse ensemble cast, including models such as
. The photographs were characterized by a mix of vibrant colours, bold patterns, and a touch of surrealism, creating a visually captivating narrative.
5. Gucci Spring/Summer 2019 Campaign:
In this campaign, Mert and Marcus collaborated with Gucci to create a series of captivating images that celebrated the brand’s maximalist aesthetics. The campaign featured a diverse cast of models, including Gucci’s Creative Director Alessandro Michele’s menagerie of animals. The photographs showcased the brand’s eclectic mix of patterns, textures, and accessories.
6. Gucci Pre-Fall 2020 Campaign:
Mert and Marcus worked on the Pre-Fall 2020 campaign for Gucci, which embraced a vintage-inspired aesthetic. The campaign featured models such as punk icon Iggy Pop and actress Guinevere Van Seenus. The images captured a sense of rock ‘n’ roll rebellion, with a mix of bold prints, leather jackets, and statement accessories.
7. Gucci Beauty Campaigns:
Mert and Marcus have also collaborated with Gucci on various beauty campaigns. They have captured the essence of Gucci’s makeup line, showcasing bold and vibrant looks on models such as Dani Miller and Mae Lapres. The beauty campaigns have embraced the brand’s eclectic and playful approach to makeup, often featuring unique color combinations and unconventional application techniques.
8. Gucci Décor Campaigns:
Mert and Marcus have lent their creative vision to Gucci’s home décor line as well. They have photographed campaigns for Gucci Décor, showcasing the brand’s luxurious and whimsical home accessories. The images feature a mix of ornate patterns, vibrant colours, and a touch of surrealism, capturing the essence of Gucci’s distinctive home décor aesthetic.
9. Gucci Spring/Summer 2021 Campaign:
For the Spring/Summer 2021 campaign, Mert and Marcus captured the essence of Gucci’s whimsical and romantic aesthetic. The campaign featured a diverse cast of models in vibrant and dreamlike settings, showcasing the brand’s eclectic mix of prints, textures, and accessories. The images exuded a sense of fantasy and surrealism, with ethereal lighting and imaginative compositions.
10. Gucci Aria Campaign:
Mert and Marcus collaborated with Gucci for the Aria campaign, which celebrated the brand’s centenary. The campaign paid homage to Gucci’s iconic motifs and archival designs, featuring a mix of classic and contemporary styles. The images highlighted the brand’s heritage while infusing it with a modern and rebellious spirit. The campaign featured a star-studded cast, including celebrities like Harry Styles and Serena Williams.
11. Gucci Mx Collection Campaign:
Mert and Marcus worked on the campaign for Gucci’s Mx Collection, a gender-fluid line celebrating self-expression and inclusivity. The campaign featured a diverse cast of models and individuals, highlighting the brand’s commitment to breaking gender norms and embracing individuality. The images captured a sense of empowerment and freedom, showcasing the collection’s bold designs and inclusive spirit.
12. Gucci Epilogue Campaign:
For the Gucci Epilogue campaign, Mert and Marcus captured the final chapter of Alessandro Michele’s continuous narrative for the brand. The campaign featured a behind-the-scenes approach, showing models and the creative team in a candid and playful manner. The images embraced imperfections and authenticity, reflecting the brand’s philosophy of celebrating individuality and self-expression.
Throughout their collaborations with Gucci, Mert and Marcus have consistently pushed boundaries and created visually captivating narratives. Their ability to capture the essence of Gucci’s brand identity, whether it’s through opulent and glamorous aesthetics or whimsical and surreal elements, has contributed to the brand’s ongoing success and reestablished its position as a fashion powerhouse. Their partnership with Gucci continues to evolve and bring forth innovative and iconic imagery that resonates with fashion enthusiasts around the world.
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