BIG ON STYLE
Have you seen the striking cover of the latest issue of Selvedge? Kristian and Peggy Schuller are one of the art world’s most iconic couples. Having studied fashion under Vivienne Westwood and photography under F.C. Gundlach, the Schullers colourfully daring imagery has left an undeniable mark on the world of fashion photography. Selvedge talks with the couple to learn more...
In your words, what is the future of glamour in today's world?
K: Fashion means glamour. The drama is a close relative. In earlier times, the idea of glamour was represented by the Jet Set and high society; today, the coolest faces from the entertainment industry and the most popular influencers rule the scene. Glamour–an abstract thing–is in a continuous transformation. One day it may be big drama–with eccentric dresses–and the next we are all dying for minimalism; it can be powerful and full of colours or introverted and all in black. And we love it–working with all these individual characters can be very fullfilling. But that does not mean we have to live this lifestyle; we are the ones behind the camera, the ones backstage.
P: I think we will never be bored of glamour even if it is sometimes out of fashion. The glamour of today may be different, but we all like a little bit of drama– in fashion, in our lives, or even just in a photo. Your use of colour, size, shape and form is loud–bombastic even.
Can you tell us more about your inspiration behind the large, dramatic dress forms that you design and photograph? Is 'Less a Bore?'
K: As a child I saw the communist world, influenced by a certain kind of tristesse in all its shades of grey. Luckily, I also witnessed the little world of theatre that my father worked for. This bouquet of creative energy showed me the importance of individuality within an inhumane system. Later, I saw the most inspiring world of Fellini and the black and white movies from expressionist 1920s Berlin. All these strong influences allowed my desire to express myself and grow. For me, life is full of strong graphics and colours.
P: Yes, some of my dresses are big, colourful, and at times loud. Sometimes they are better referred to as ‘installations’, as they are not made to wear and walk in. Many of these dresses do not even exist, or at least not for very long. My personality is quite the opposite: I’m not outgoing and expressive. I think I’m rather shy. But I’m not afraid of size, colour and drama. I only create these dresses for Kristian’s photographs, so there is not the limitation of making someone feel good in the dress. I do not think ‘Less is a Bore’; there is just the question of what is the idea, what is best for the photo? I’m inspired by little things: shapes, graphics or just an expression. Grapes can make me think of a dress, a cloud in the sky or flowers...Sometimes I work with little objects we find in the moment and that become perfect for an idea, like the fallen leaves in autumn made our Ikarus fragile and sensible…
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Extract from the interview with Kristian and Peggy Schuller in the latest issue of Selvedge, Issue 104 Keeping Warm.
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