above you can see pages of the book which accompany a retrospective of fashion photographer Horst P. Horst at the V&A Museum. The book reflects the classical elegance of Horst’s work while also highlighting the Surrealist influence on his style.

 

‘The Surrealist art movement explored unique ways of interpreting the world, turning to dreams and the unconscious for inspiration. During the 1930s Surrealism escaped its radical avant-garde roots and transformed design, fashion, advertising, theatre and film.

 

Horst’s photographs of this period feature mysterious, whimsical and surreal elements combined with his classical aesthetic. He created trompe l’oeil still lifes, photographed the surreal-infused dress designs of his friend Elsa Schiaparelli and collaborated with the artist Salvador Dalí. He shared with the Surrealists a fascination with the representation of the female body, often fragmenting and eroticising the human form in his images.’ complete article about the exhibiotion and work of Horst p. Horst you can find on the site of V&A museum.

 

Mainbocher Corset (Paris, 1939. Courtesy of  Condé Nast / Horst Estate) at right isn’t the original photograph at top page, but is also published in book. The pink satin corset is made by Detolle.