From hippies to fashion icons, from aborigines, to celebrities, Irving Penn captured their essences through the use of light camera and stark backgrounds. He developed a style and a look that was groundbreaking and classically timeless. His commitment to stirring the emotions of the viewers rather than simply satisfying the subject of the photo with technical prowess are what gave his photographs a voice that spoke with mass appeal. I started this project with the production team as an ode to Mr. Penn. A recognition of the masterful essence he brought to the simplicity of a studio shoot with a simple backdrop. It was a shoot that we did not only to celebrate the same clothing brands that often adorned the covers he photographed for Vogue, but also an homage to his eye and sensibilities that have become a corner stone of fashion photography. His passing today, leaves the world with one less master amongst its ranks, but his body of work remains to continue to teach and inspire photographers like myself. Inspire us to understand the fundamentals of beauty in composition while learning to add our own signature of flavor and style. I am glad to have created these photographs during his life, but am proud to offer them as a demonstration of his influence even after his passing. Fall Winter 2010 collections bow not only to the glamour of the 1930’s, but also to the creativity of those same years, which not unlike today, were challenged by the economic situations around the world. An almost Depression era chic-ness combined with the haughtiness of statuesque fashion and beauty iconically captured on film by the legendary lens men of the time. Prevalent in collections from Paris, Milan, London and New York, is the attention to drape and silhouette. Whether it is the house of Hermes channeling Amelia Earhart or the house of Dior strongly emulating the style of Louise Brooks, the 1930’s MGM ideology of perfection is an occurring theme. Accessories also play an important role with Dolce & Gabbanna showing strong influence from Elsa Schiaparelli and the surrealist 1930’s Art movement in vogue a la Salvatore Dali. In compliment, the drop shoulders and suits harkening to the cocoon shapes of the great couturier Cristobal Balenciaga are shown by Lanvin. Acknowledgment of the era is even evident from Alexander McQueen, equal parts “Enfant Terrible” and Master Madman of Saville Row. In order to illustrate the spirit of the season, it is befitting to pay homage to the man of shadow and light, form and shape, purity and beauty. The genius, Mr. Irving Penn