The Photographers Gallery, London : When You’re a Boy - three decades worth of men's fashion with stylist Simon Foxton

The When You’re a Boy exhibition confronts us with men in fashion photography. Both behind, in front and particularly next to the camera. Stylist Simon Foxton stood next to the camera, his career spanning over three decades. He is responsible for many a craze, which in our youth, we considered as ultimate must have looks.

Simon (UK, b.1961) unleashed his unmistakable style onto the early 80s scene, he collaborated with photographers including Nick Knight (UK, b.1958), Jason Evans (UK, b.1968) and Alasdair McLellan (UK, b.1974). His fashion statements often play with the definition of masculinity, national identity and personal taste. Three elements which always had and still have the potential to flourish on the eccentric island.

Prints, scrapbooks and image installations are on show, which include his collaborations with photographers including John Balsom (UK, b.1970); Donald Christie (UK, b.1960); Ben Dunbar-Brunton (UK, b.1976); David Hughes (UK, b.1969); Benjamin Alexander Huseby (Norway, b.1978); Giles Price (UK, b.1973); Stefan Ruiz (USA, b.1964); David Sims (UK, b.1966) and Simon Thiselton (UK, b.1975).

Simon initially started off as a St. Martins fashion design graduate, he soon began styling for i-D in 1984. In those days big brands kept to themselves, and street style was a reason for your mum to shake her head in shame.

From the very start, Simon always let people know that he was not in the slightest bit interested in established fads and calculated retro looks. Street style, gay culture, fun and irony were always his style. So it comes as no great surprise that his work is now honoured in collections such as the Victoria & Albert Museum and Tate.

When You’re a Boy is curated by photography expert Penny Martin.  She is the proud Rootstein Hopkins Chair of Fashion Imagery at the London College of Fashion, having previously been Editor-in-Chief of online fashion and art project, SHOWstudio.com

Following the success of last year’s "Fashion in the Mirror" exhibition, this is the second exhibition held at The Photographers’ Gallery, which is dedicated to fashion photography. The exhibition is accompanied by a catalogue priced at just 8 Euro – edited by none other than Penny Martin.

When You’re a Boy  - Men's Fashion styled by Simon Foxton
until 4 October 2009
The Photographers' Gallery
16 - 18 Ramillies Street
London W1F 7LW

Entry free
Closed on Mondays
Tue, Wed, Sat: 11.00 - 18.00
Thurs + Fri: 11.00 - 20.00
Sun: 12.00 – 18.00


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