Fans of fashion photography need no introduction to Helmut Newton, one of the world’s most renowned photographers, whose iconic and boundary-breaking images are among some of the most famous in the history of fashion photography.
Newton’s universe is filled with lush visual references from the history of painting to cinematography and literature. His compelling images won him countless devoted admirers and continue to fascinate viewers today.
Newton's photographic frames are frequently dominated by a series of powerful women; as Anna Wintour once said: ‘Helmut’s women are always in charge. Whether they are naked or dressed to kill, they are strong, funny, and in control."
In 1999, Newton compiled a one-of-a-kind album comprising 103 photographs, each mounted on board accompanied by his own pencil annotation. This album belongs to the Switzerland-based Nicola Erni Collection.
For our new book, Helmut Newton: One-off, we have collaborated with the Nicola Erni Collection to reproduce this remarkable album in full, giving lovers of Newton’s work access to many of his best known, as well as some never-before-seen images.
The book includes a range of Newton’s striking black and white photographs and color Polaroids. There are works from his iconic series such as Big Nudes, his commissioned work for Vogue and other magazines, and his collaboration with Yves Saint Laurent, photographing the le smoking jacket, and, in the process, creating one of the most famous fashion photographs of all time.
Showcasing a cast of famous faces – the album includes luminaries from the art, fashion, and film worlds such as Jerry Hall, Iman, Lisa Lyon, Andy Warhol, Brigitte Nielsen, and Raquel Welsh. Preferring to shoot outside of a typical studio environment, Newton’s photographs offer us a rare glimpse into glamorous hotels, the streets of Paris’ Marais district, and the poolside decadence of old Hollywood.
Housed in a matt black briefcase, the book design faithfully recreates the original album. The book is reproduced at the exact same size as the original, making the experience akin to leafing through the original album itself. Complete with a cloth cover, a fall-back Swiss binding, and exposed spine, the book is classic and elegant, a fitting ode to the glamour of Newton’s images.
Helmut Newton: One-off is a bilingual German English edition and also includes newly commissioned texts – an introduction by renowned photography specialist Philippe Garner and an interview between Matthias Harder (director of the Helmut Newton Foundation) and Gert Elfering, a photography collector, who compiled the original One-off album with Newton. It accompanies an upcoming exhibition at the Helmut Newton Foundation in Berlin due to open this Spring.
A stunning object, and a glimpse into the mind of one of photography’s true visionaries, One-off is a must have for fashion aficionados and photography fans alike. Take a closer look at Helmut Newton: One-off here.
