Fashion designer Margaret Howell and photographer Alisdair McLellan reveal a new exhibition, which will show off the fruits of a 13-year long collaboration
For five seasons, Margaret Howell’s love for the varied landscapes of Britain and the clean simplicity of modernism have been encapsulated through the lens of British photographer Alisdair McLellan. Now, or the first time, the pair will exhibit 40 images from the 13-year long collaboration in a specially curated show.
The partnership, which began in 2004, has been shaped by Howell’s “very distinct vision of the British Isles” suggests McLellan. “She loves it when the weather is typically British and isn’t bothered when we’re shooting if it’s raining in summer, or sunny in winter,” he says. “She understands that this is the way the country happens to be and goes with it. Margaret prefers to shoot in black and white too, which is brilliant.”
“I know what I want our photo campaigns to achieve and Alasdair knows how to achieve it,” Howell adds. “His judgment, vision and tenacity make for a valuable partnership.”
Since they first began working together, McLellan has produced over 40 photographs for Howell, all of which capture the brand’s hallmark aesthetic of quiet, contemplative beauty. Celebrating the diversity of Britain’s geography, the images were shot at a plethora of unassuming locations, including Wensleydale in North Yorkshire, Devils Dyke in East Sussex and, for SS17, the historic seaside town of Hastings.
McLellan’s images will be exhibited at Margaret Howell, 34 Wigmore Street, London, from 17 February – 19 March. The exhibition will coincide with Howell’s first combined AW17 menswear and womenswear runway presentation at London Fashion Week.
