Once in a while a stylist comes along who creates images of such arresting power that their input can no longer be overlooked, and their name becomes as important as the photographer's. Simon Foxton's catalogue of muscled, handsome, dynamic men - work he's been producing for over twenty years - is a case in point.
Wardrobe Master: You have an exhibition coming up at London's Photographer's Gallery, that seems pretty unique for a stylist?
Simon Foxton: Yes, as far as I know, 'About A Boy', is the only exhibition of a stylist's work ever put on. I feel flattered and very honoured to have been asked.
WM: What will it be like?
SF: It's a survey of all my work based around three photographers who I've worked with the most- Nick Knight, Jason Evans and Alasdair McLellan. There will be a wall at the back devoted to my portrait-based work and some of my scrap books, from which I generate my ideas, will be displayed too.
WM: You work exclusively in menswear, why is that?
SF: I was at St Martins (art college) and my interest always lay in menswear. I don't have to think about what makes a man look good or interesting - it comes easily to me.
WM: Where did your work first appear?
SF: I started working with I-D Magazine in 1984 which has been my base and home ever since. They have always given me the freedom to express my ideas.
WM: You're a Fashion Director there, what does that involve?
SF: Well, I'm not really a Fashion Director, as such, I don't have the people skills! I think styling and being a Fashion Director are very different jobs. It's rare to find both in one person.
WM: And you're involved with Fantastic Man magazine too...
SF: Yes, I came on board 2 or 3 years ago - it's a magazine with a very definite point of view.
WM: Tell me about your scrap books and how you come up with your ideas.
SF: I don't hoard magazines in my home, but I do tear out images which I find interesting then I stash them in a box in my bedroom. Once or twice a year I go through the box and pull out all the pictures and start to make scrap books. It's so useful to me as they act as a reminder of what I like.
WM: Is there one particular story of image that stands out for you?
SF: The minotaur picture shot for the cover of Arena Homme Plus a few years ago by Nick Knight, which is also the image for my exhibition. We were playing around and I decided another guy should wrap his arms around our main model and the image took off from there. It was a very organic process, which is how I like to work. I don't like to have things too planned -it's good to be playful and to see what happens.
WM: How does someone working as creatively as you do feel about the recession?
SF: In times like these, there are much more serious parameters. You have to keep track with the advertising, to be careful. But in more straightened times there tends to be more creative ideas pushing up too. There is always a need to be entertained and delighted.
WM: What in your work entertains and delights?
SF: Most of my work is cartoon-ish. My general aesthetic is to use healthy looking men wearing bright colours. It's quite pop-like, really. When I work with Nick (Knight), he tends to push for the more violent side of things. And I use clothing or fashion to make a picture. I've always felt resistant to the idea of trends, and I'm not really into fashion or menswear for their sake only. After all, a thing of beauty is a joy forever.
For further information about Simon's exhbition which opens on the 17th July, follow the link below:
