As an innovator of fashion photography, Gian Paolo Barbieri's various approaches and techniques helped to shape modern fashion photography.
Just as there was a reawakening of Italian fashion design, Barbieri made a point of becoming a friend of the designers. By befriending and eventually understanding their style and design, Barbieri was able to become a champion of the new era of Italian fashion and costume designers.
In doing so, Barbieri was able to be a driver of this reawakening of Italian fashion popularity.
For Barbieri, fashion photography without art is empty, and so, he drew on his deep knowledge to enrich his shoots with references to art history.
Barbieri also relied on cinematic grandeur to help his images stand out. Not just replicating ideas, but shooting in a way to expand the conversation.
If you're in the neighborhood, you can see Barbieri's newest exhibit at House of Lucie Ostuni, in Ostuni, Italy. The exhibit is showing off many masterworks by Barbieri, as well as some previously unpublished photographs dating back to the 1960s.
All images used with permission.
