Ryan McGinley‘s evolution from downtown documentarian, to creator of slick fashion imagery has been one of the most interesting progressions in recent memory. The worlds of art photography and fashion photography have always had a bit of overlap, but in recent years the lines have blurred, with talented photographers moving between boundaries with ease and creating work that satisfies the tenants of either style. McGinley has always had a knack for capturing his subjects at their most unfiltered, whether that means a candid snap of a skateboarder, a hedonistic nude shot in the upstate wilds, or an elegant portrait of a top model or celebrity. There is always something unguarded and fresh about his images that makes them memorable and sets them apart. The dreamy scenarios and saturated colors that dominate his fashion work, make his pictures among the most compelling contributions to magazines of late. Take a look back through is work and see why we’re wild for the McGinley take on things.

Richard (Donkey) 2012

Peacock (Rose Quartz), 2012

Taylor (Snakes), 2011

Albino Peacock (Rose Red), 2012

Jake (Shining Rock), 2008

Amanda (Falling Leaves), 2010

Sal, 2010 | All Images Ryan McGinley.com 

Daria Werbowy - W Magazine, January 2013 | See full story at WMagazine.com

Karlie Kloss NY Times T Magazine, December 2012 | See the full story at NY Times.com

Sienna Miller, British Vogue, April 2012

Kate Moss, W Magazine 2007 | See the full story at W Magazine.com

Edun S/S 2012 | See the full campaign in the database 

Stella McCartney F/W 2009 | See the full campaign in the database

Grace Coddington by Sebastian Kim

On the eve of the publication of Grace Coddington‘s memoirs the famously flame haired fashion editor is everywhere. Pick up a copy of i-D Magazine‘s latest issue and you’ll see her on the cover, head to any news website worth its salt and you’ll find an excerpt from the tasteful tell-all (or just check it out on Vogue.com) detailing the backstory of some epic editorial moment straight from Vogue’s pages.  Indeed it seems we’re living in a state of Grace, so to speak, so what better time to look back on the trademarks of her work – those quintessential details that set her styling apart from everyone else. It would be impossible to go through twenty years of Grace and pick a few editorials that sum up the depth and diversity that make her work great, instead we look to four Coddington calling cards that are certain to appear in every one of her stories; glamour, history, fantasy and humour.

GLAMOUR

It goes without saying that Vogue is a repository for high-glamour imagery, but Grace has always pushed the borders of what that means. It isn’t enough to showcase off the runway looks or exquisite couture, the image has to convey something powerful and iconic.

‘The Heat of the Moment’ – Photographer Ellen von Unwerth, Model Naomi Campbell American Vogue, March 1998

‘High Art’ Photographer - Annie Leibovitz, Model - Natalia Vodianova, American Vogue November 2004

‘Daydreams’ Photographer Steven Klein, Models Daria Werbowy and Natalia Vodianova American Vogue September 2004

‘Talk to Her’ Photographer - Steven Meisel, Models - Joan Smalls, Coco Rocha, Karen Elson, Guinevere Van Seenus, Caroline Trentini, Liya Kebede, Abbey Lee Kershaw, Daphne Groeneveld, American Vogue 2012

HISTORY

Recreating the look and feel of historical periods with contemporary design has become something of a Vogue standard and when Grace takes on history the end result is always memorable. From haute baroque, to 50s style Brando-chic and 70s style glam rock, her interpretations of the past have always been fresh and dynamic.

‘French Twists’ Photographer - Annie Leibovitz, Models – Lily Cole, Gemma Ward, Gisele Bundchen, Daria Werbowy, Karen Elson, American Vogue May 2004

‘A Feast for the Eyes’ Photographer -Steven Meisel, Models – Kylie Bax, Amy Wesson, Elsa Benitez, Carolyn Murphy, Naomi Campbell, Michelle Behennah, Guinevere Van Seenus, Trish Goff, Chandra North,  American Vogue December 1996

‘Custom of the Country’ photographer Annie Leibovitz, Model Natalia Vodianova, American Vogue August 2012

‘Wild At Heart’ Photographer - Peter Lindbergh, Models – Helena Christensen, Cindy Crawford,  Linda Evangelista, Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, Karen Mulder, Tatjana Patitz, and Stephanie Seymour, American Vogue 1991

Rock the House, photographer Steven Meisel, American Vogue, November 2001

FANTASY

No one creates a fantastical scenario via clothes quite like Grace does. Her instantly recognizable fairy tale collaboration with Annie Leibovitz has raised the bar for just about everyone by taking the familiar childhood tales and re-imagining them as fanciful fashion moments. Who says Alice can’t fall down the rabbit hole while wearing head to toe Tom Ford? Even with the elaborate sets, mythical allusions and high concept themes, Grace makes you notice the clothes first and foremost.

‘Joy to the World’ Photographer Steven Meisel, American Vogue December 2002

‘It’s a Jungle Out There’ Photographer – Steven Klein, Models – Maggie Rizer, Trish Goff, Oluchi Onweagba, Liisa Winkler, Anouck Lepere, Karolina Kurkova, American Vogue June 2001

‘Garden of Delights’ Photographer -Steven Meisel, Model - Caroline Trentini, American Vogue December 2006

‘Alice in Wonderland’ Photographer - Annie Leibovitz, Model - Natalia Vodianova , American Vogue December 2003

‘Wizard of Oz’ Photographer - Annie Leibovitz, Model - Keira Knightley, American Vogue December 2005

‘Romeo and Juliet’ Photographer - Annie Leibovitz, Model - Coco Rocha, American Vogue December 2008

HUMOUR

A concept that is regrettably missing in most fashion editorials yet always has a place in Grace’s work. Whether it is Stella Tennant leading a troop of boyscouts or Karen Elson starring as Grace herself, there is always that added touch of whimsy that makes her work a delight.

‘A Shot of Scotch’ Photographer - Arthur Elgort, Model - Linda Evangelista, American Vogue September 1991

‘Graceful Elegance’ Photographer - Steven Meisel, Model - Karen Elson, American Vogue August 2008

‘O’ Pioneers!’ Photographer - Arthur Elgort, Model - Stella Tennant, American Vogue June 2001

Get in the mood for summer with this classic Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin shot of Daria Werbowy for Vogue Paris

The weather may be unpredictable, but there is no denying that summer is upon us. From a beauty standpoint that means experiencing the season’s newest and best fragrances in all their heady glory. Take a look at this line up of refreshing, effervescent and downright intoxicating scents perfect for the summer.

Serge Lutens L’Eau Froide – Lutens scents always go for the esoteric, so it comes as no surprise that L’Eau Froide was inspired by “fresh air in the rusty water pipes.” Unusual, but the end result is a bracing blast of unisex verbena and mint that provides a much needed dose of cool.

INEKE Balmy Days & Sundays – The hotter it gets the more things start to feel out of control, but Ineke’s soothing green Balmy Days & Sundays creates an instant aura of tranquility. The scent is soothing, fresh and just crisp enough keep things exciting. The winning combination of Freesia, Grass, Honeysuckle and Mimosa is perfect for when the temperature creeps up past 90. Don’t let the name fool you, Sunday may be a day for relaxation but Ineke’s lightweight chypre doesn’t lack for sophistication.

Jo Malone Wild Bluebell – Delicate, enveloping and ever so slightly sweet, Jo Malone’s unique combo of persimmon, lily of the valley and eglantine is simply delightful. Floral lovers rejoice, summer doesn’t have to mean giving up the flowers you love so much – put the Fracas back on the shelf and try a lighter variation. The almost aquatic florals in Wild Bluebell are subtle and elegant.

L’Artisan Batucada – One word – Brazil. Batucada is named after a style of samba and has notes that call to mind a Caipirinha – lime, coconut, sugar and a bit of Tiaré flower for good measure, coming together to form a the perfect fizzy cocktail and ultimate exhilarating burst.

Roberto Cavalli – The Cavalli name promises sex appeal, trendiness and a certain rebellious spirit that infuses the house’s daring designs and the namesake scent more than lives up to this reputation. Fronted by Elisa Sednaoui, the amber and pink pepper focused blend is decadent and appealing without being overwhelming. A spritz of this on a steaming summer evening is guaranteed to make you feel your sexiest.

It is a proven fact that Hollywood actors cannot resist models – Leonardo Dicaprio we’re looking at you – so it is no surprise that magazines frequently pair actors & models together in covers and in editorials. We’re not sure why magazines always go for the actor + models combo instead of say actresses and male models (c’mon someone get Scarlett Johansson and Sean O’Pry  together already) but it is a proven formula that can produce beautiful results.

Or incredibly awkward and somewhat confusing results. Lets take a look back at some of our favorite model meets actor moments – the good, the bad and the just plain weird.

2012: W Magazine  : Tom Cruise + Abbey Lee Kershaw & Edita Vilkeviciute by Mario Sorrenti

W Magazine knows how to push all the right buttons don’t they? What better way to promote the blissfully cheesy 80s jukebox musical Rock of Ages than to put its star on the cover looking like a latter day Bret Michaels? Edita Vilkeviciute and Abbey Lee Kershaw are bringing the heat, but we can’t help but feel that Cruise looks more than a little uncomfortable. Perhaps this is simply his version of bored rock star blasé, but he manages to make standing between two of the world’s most beautiful girls look like a chore; to be honest he had more chemistry with Jeremy Renner in MI:4.

2012: Vogue Espana Clive Owen & Toni Garrn by Alexi Lubomirski

Love Toni, Love Clive. Love the city of Paris. Still he looks like her dad in this. Sorry. Unless they were going for the whole “cool dad takes his glamazon daughter to France thing”, if so then it totally works.

2012: American Vogue - Michael Fassbender and Natalia Vodianova by Craig McDean