EP 2 ELLEN VON UNWERTH AND GUESS - THE IMAGE MAKERS

The Image Makers explores collaborations between high-end designers and fashion photographers. These successful collaborations (between design houses and the world’s high-end photographers) can turn a little-known atelier into instantly recognisable icons. Examining the influential brands and their photographers that became synonymous with them; the following is a breakdown of how creative execution can develop into a world-famous signature brand image over time.  In the second chapter of our Image Makers series, we continue to look at influential partnerships between high-end designers, and top-tier photographers. We explore the highly lucrative collaboration between risque fashion photographer Ellen von Unwerth, and Guess. This time sees the beginning of the “Guess Girls” – resulting in a partnership that spans over thirty years. THE WORK OF ELLEN VON UNWERTH Ellen von Unwerth is a female fashion photographer worth celebrating. Her unique perspective is born out of her experience as a model, allowing her to connect with her subjects. This creates a unique intimacy, not often seen in fashion photography. She is one of the very few female fashion photographers (alongside Sherman, Leibovitz, and Goldin) to stand toe to toe with the legendary male photographers of the 90s and 2000s.  Sebastian Plantin (Curator of her 2018 exhibition: Ladyland) says, “Her pictures are not only aesthetically pleasant, but they are also educational because they express a more sophisticated app