© Willy Vanderperre – Luca Lemaire, Raf Simons A/W 2016 (2016)

One of the top photographers in today’s fashion universe is Antwerp-based Willy Vanderperre (1971). The Belgian’s fascination with youth has been a motivational force for almost three decades, shooting editorials for edgy magazines AnOther, DUST, i-D, and Perfect, but also for prestigious mainstream periodicals such as Vogue and W, and last but not least, eye-catching campaigns for leading luxury brands, including Prada and Dior. The renowned MoMu in his hometown currently hosts an exhibition which explores the lensman’s entire oeuvre. The aforementioned fascination stands front and centre in this show, and interestingly, in dialogue with his photographs Vanderperre has selected several artworks that have been an important source of inspiration in the ongoing development of his universe.

The overview of his photographic practice explores the evolution of its visual language, as well as the years of collaboration with two leading fellow Belgians in the fashion industrystylist Olivier Rizzo and fashion designer Raf Simons. Consistent with his identification with youth and its many subcultures, Vanderperre has developed an associated programme with film, music and the launch of his limited collectible items in the form of drops, which are for sale at the exhibition entrance. Mind you, proceeds from sales will in part be donated to çavaria, a Flemish advocacy group for LGBTI+ people. The organisation is committed to the well-being, equal rights, and equal opportunities of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex individuals (on through Aug 4). © superfuture

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© Willy Vanderperre –  Document #9, Kiki + Jonas (2016) and Chloé + Robbie, i-D #206 (2002)