Karl Lagerfeld's newest photo-literary project sees a provocative and powerful collection of images solely of his latest muse, Baptiste Giabiconi. The tome, which will be available later this month, depicts the Marseillan model in poses that  can only be synopsised by the title of the book, The Beauty of Violence. Filled with confident and unashamed sexuality and commanding athleticism that makes for necessary reading. Not that there are any more than two dozen words in the entire thing; Lagerfeld simply quotes Spanish-American philosopher George Santayana as a means to introduce the book, "To feel beauty is better than to understand how we come to feel it"*.

 

Giabiconi made a name for himself back in 2008, not only becoming muse to Lagerfeld - and thusly ambasssador of all of his platforms, Chanel, Fendi and his own line included -  but appearing in the Spring/Summer ad campaign for hip milanese brand Frankie Morello. On meeting him in Moscow in 2009, Naomi Campbell told the model “It’s not right: We all have defects. You have none.” Indeed, there are certainly none evident in the 60 images that make the book; an ultimate coffee table piece for any Lagerfeld fan, or indeed fan of Giabiconi himself, of which I'm sure there are plenty. In an interview with WWD the german designer aptly described Baptiste as “a boy version of Gisele: skinny, skinny but with an athletic body — good for clothes and great with no clothes.”

 

The pictures look 'we were just in the studio with nothing to do' effortless, but are of a quality that most likely took an age to capture so sagaciously. Putting aside the complelling juxtaposition of sex, violence and power, there is something refreshingly positive in the strength and athleticism he depicts, a boldness that should be applauded. One thing is very clear, Lagerfeld's reputation fails to relent, his passion, unrestricted vision and curiosity, but most crucially his tireless work ethic validates his work in such a way that it's impossible not to love. The only question left to answer is when exactly the crisp-collared, glove-wearing Uncle Karl sleeps? With the amount of fashion responsibilities he has gallantly acquired, how does one find time to become a world-class photographer on the side? It's doubtful we'll ever know, but the answer's probably very chic.

 

 

Published by Steidl

Price: £30

ISBN: 9783869300467

Format: Giant softcover in stapled slipcase

Pages: 68, 60 Images

DImensions: 29cm x 37cm

 

All images courtesy of Steidl

 

*This is often attributed to poet T.S. Elliot, but we are assured Santayana beat him to it.