Dynamic Duo
Mere chance was the force that brought together two of the most influential photographers of our time, the bold duo known as Mert and Marcus. Mert Alas, born in Turkey, and Marcus Piggott, born in Wales, met in 1994, when they were both 23 years old, at a party on a pier in Hastings, England. Piggott asked Alas for a light, the pair got talking, and rapidly discovered they had plenty in common, not least a love of fashion. Three years later, they had moved into a derelict loft in East London, converted it into a studio, and had their first collaborative photographic work published in Dazed & Confused. With strong references to the iconic photographer Guy Bourdin and their elaborate use of digital manipulation, their work quickly became coveted by magazines and high-end brands.
These days, Mert and Marcus shape the global image of Giorgio Armani, Roberto Cavalli, Fendi, Miu Miu, Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy, and Lancôme, and public figures including Lady Gaga, Madonna,Jennifer Lopez, Linda Evangelista, Gisele Bündchen,
Björk, Angelina Jolie, and Rihanna.
All “powerful women, women with a meaning, a you-don’t-have-to-talk-or-move-too-much-to- tell-who-you-are kind of woman”, as Mert has said. In 2015, Mert & Marcus were awarded Honorary Fellowship of the Royal Photographic Society.
Bringing our best-selling Collector’s Edition to an affordable, compact format, this collection of approximately 300 images from the megawatt Mert and Marcus portfolio by Taschen explores the unique vision of a creative partnership that has defined and redefined standards for glamour, fashion, and luxury.
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