Claudia Schiffer, one of the world’s most successful and beautiful supermodels that was a familiar face in the ’90s and was part of the “Elite 20” super models of that era (which also include Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, Kate Moss, Claudia Schiffer, Christy Turlington, Tatjana Patitz, Helena Christensen, Karen Mulder, Stephanie Seymour, Claudia Bruni, Nikki Hilton, Tyra Banks, Yasmeen Ghauri and Nadja Auermann).
But there is no doubt that Schiffer was one of the top 5.
Her gorgeous Brigitte Bardot look that were featured on the popular ’90s Guess advertisements to the enormous amount of magazine covers that showcased her (Schiffer holds the Guinness Book of World Records of model with the most magazine covers), the German-based Claudia Schiffer was no doubt one of the successful women that opened the doors for many models.
But while many of us know these supermodels, part of that success was due to the famous fashion photographers behind the lens.
The Dusseldorf-based art museum, Kunstpalast wanted to put together a show showcasing fashion photography and who best to curate the exhibition than Claudia Schiffer.
“Captivate!: Fashion Photography from the ’90s” is a book that would feature famous photography works from photographers such as Ellen von Unwerth, Patrick Demarchelier, Peter Lindbergh, Herb Ritts, Bruce Weber, Richard Avendon,Helmut Newton, Arthur Elgort, Corinne Day, Juergen Teller, to name a few.
The book features a foreword from Kunstpalast General Director, Felix Kramer and also a Q&A with Claudia Schiffer.
Chapters are broken up to Into the ’90s, Supermodel Phenomenon, My Story, Campaigns, Covers, Polaroids, Fashion Stories, Back to Reality, Backstage, Essays from Ellen von Unwerth, Christian Arp and Carine Roitfeld.
The book features very large photos with commentary from Schiffer and also quotes from the photographers and supermodels.
Many may be wondering, what makes this book different from the Rizzoli “Claudia Schiffer” book that was released in 2017. For one, this is a book based on the exhibition curated by Claudia Schiffer featuring the works of fashion photographers of supermodels. Which the cover photo from Richard Avendon from the 1994 Versace campaign which showcased Nadja Auerman, Christy Turlington, Claudia Schiffer, Cindy Crawford and Stephanie Seymour.
With that being said, there is a good amount of Claudia Schiffer content in “Captivate!”, as she gives information of how she started, context from the eyes of a super model that worked in the industry, the Polaroids takes and how she got into the industry.
But the primary differences is that the 2017 “Claudia Schiffer” book is more of a tribute photo book. All photography with quotes from supermodels and photographers about Claudia.
This 2022 book “Captivate!: Fashion Photography from the ’90s” does feature a lot of Claudia Schiffer’s famous photos, especially a few of the Guess Ads shot by Ellen von Unwerth. But you get early photos as well.
Again, this is not all Claudia Schiffer. You will get to see many photos of the elite supermodels which I have mentioned earlier. Christy Turlington and Kate Moss’ Calvin Klein photos, Peter Lindbergh’s “Wild at Heart” Vogue photo, Kate Moss’ photos from “The Face”, Tyra Banks “Sports Illustrated” cover, and one of my favorites, the “Vogue 100th Anniversary Special” photo taken by Patrick Demarchelier, to name a few.
But what I love about this book as Schiffer gives context from when she entered the industry and some behind-the-scenes for famous photos, such as her first cover for British “Vogue” and what she learned from various photographers. Because Claudia worked with many of these famous photographers, a few who are no longer with us anymore, she gives context of what it was like to shoot with those photographers. For example, how Helmut Newton shot from the ground level,
But what I loved is seeing the photos which I have loved seeing of the elite supermodels and the information that accompanied various photos. So, it’s not entirely a photobook.
One may ask if this book is appropriate for the coffee table. This is of course, subjective. But please know there is full frontal nudity (artistic) but again, it’s subjective.
Overall, this is a fantastic book!
I’m drawn to fashion photograph showcasing the elite models of the ’80s and ’90s, because these photographers did things before digital. When Polaroids were needed to see lighting. When photoshoots were longer and this was no doubt a special era for fashion photography and fashion in general.
I invested in so many fashion photography books, because there are photographers who’s work that I love but to find those photos, you have to go through several books. I was surprised that so many of the photos I loved were in this one book alone, so that’s awesome! I also like how the book is larger, so you get to see the photos really well. Colorful, vibrant.
And again, to get the context from one of the most successful supermodels of all time and her experience working with these photographers is no doubt special.
This is a fantastic book and one of the best you can own in regards to fashion but also the elite supermodels!
Claudia Schiffer’s “Captivate!: Fashion Photography from the ’90s” is highly recommended!
