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Nick Knight | Haute Death

one small seed — Wed, 06 Nov 2013 06:15:50 +0000

Since his first foray into fashion photography, Nick Knight has ignited the industry with his re-conceptualisation of beauty. His bold looks and daring techniques have shaped him as one of the pioneers of modern photography. Knight’s entrance into the photography world has seen him flash through the editorials of Vogue, Dazed & Confused, W Magazine, i-D, and Visionaire, and his works have been commissioned by some of design’s most extravagant names including Christian Dior, Alexander McQueen, Calvin Klein, Levi Strauss, and Yves Saint Laurent. Knight photographs fashion in theatrical displays of fantasy. Haute Death is a roll of imagery that combines high fashion with the nightmarish dream-scape of dark fairytales and the opulence of Parisian sophistication.

Image: © Nick Knight

Appearing in the pages of W Magazine, Haute Death is a whimsical homage to the shadowy, sinister illustrations of children’s literature. Using his trademark exploration into contrasts, Knight juxtaposes the delicate beauty of model Karlie Kloss into the eerie sketch of a Brothers Grimm fairytale. The result is an avante garde photo-shoot that mixes fashion and children’s fantasy. Kloss was styled by Edward Enninful into the couture designs of Dior, Givenchy, Chanel, and Iris Van Herpen to name a few. Haute Death is another example of Knight’s continuing challenge against the conventions of beauty and the re-imagining of fashion.

It is very tricky now to really, honestly call yourself a photographer because a lot of what I do doesn’t adhere to the rules of photography. For example, with the introduction of digital technology and the more frequent use of that in the creation of the image, you are really not following the rules of photography any more.

Image: © Nick Knight

Images: © Nick Knight

140 YEARS OF A CULTURAL ICON: INTRODUCING THE LEVI’S® 501® IN COLOUR

one small seed — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:53:19 +0000

To celebrate 140 years of an American icon, the Levi’s® 501® will not only be available in mineral red, chalk blue and ivy green this season, but Levi’s® is also launching a global campaign called ‘What’s Your Interpretation?’ Locally, eight South African creatives — Max Mogale, Sergio Ines, Grant Payne, Dan Nash, Marco Riekstins, Roy Potterill, Dylan Muhlenberg and Andrew Berry — are asked to showcase their interpretation of the original. It will all be documented in the form of daily uploads by each participant to a digital gallery right here on onesmallseed.com, and from 24 – 30 April you’ll be able to vote for who you think gave the best interpretation. Read on to find out more.

IMAGE: LEVI’S®

The Birth of an American Icon

When Levi Strauss partnered with tailor Jacob Davis in 1873 on a patent for riveted pockets on work pants for Western pioneers, they couldn’t have dreamed of its impact on modern culture. The Levi’s® 501® button fly jean – the original and first ever blue jean – was born on May 20, 1873. And 140 years later, it is more popular and even more relevant to global culture and style than ever before.

Deemed Time Magazine’s ‘Fashion Item of the 20th Century’ – the original Levi’s® 501® button fly jean is an American icon that has been woven and stitched deeply into our world’s cultural heritage. From presidents to movie stars, farmers to fashion icons, entrepreneurs to the every man, the cultural significance of Levi’s® 501® jeans has been defined by the people who wear them. No other product has been worn, loved or re-imagined quite like Levi’s® 501® jeans. A symbol of individuality and universality – the 501® jean is the ultimate expression of personal style – worn by the pioneers who shape our world, generation after generation.

IMAGE: LEVI’S®

The Evolution of the Levi’s® 501® Jean

Designed with uncompromised authenticity and tailored to perfection, the 501® jean has subtly evolved through the years – improving with age to provide every generation with the jean they need.

This season, the 501® jean will be available in the same great fit in new colours including mineral red, chalk blue and ivy green. A lighter weight shrink-to-fit will fabric offers an incredible, buttery-soft hand feel.

The evolution of today’s 501® jean has been driven by a commitment to craftsmanship and quality. There isn’t a stitch on the jean that hasn’t been reconstructed and improved to enhance this timeless product, while staying true to its essential core. Look for finer fabric, reinforced stitching, larger pockets to store your latest smart phone, and updated belt loops, inseams and cuffs. We’ve done it all in the spirit of the original, with the same care, the same craftsmanship, and the same attention to every detail. It’s the same Levi’s® 501® as always, like never before.

IMAGE: LEVI’S®

501® Interpretation

This May, the Levi’s® brand is embarking on a global campaign called ‘501® Interpretation’ to celebrate the range of expressions of unique personal style from around the world. The Levi’s® 501® is put in the hands of the fans — young and old, famous and not so famous — asking them for their interpretation of the original. A digital photo gallery of their images from high fashion to street style and everything in between will live at LEVIS501.com.

Looking to celebrate some local talent in the process, eight local creatives — Max Mogale, Sergio Ines, Grant Payne, Dan Nash, Marco Riekstins, Roy Potterill, Dylan Muhlenberg and Andrew Berry — will also be asked for their interpretations of the Levi’s® 501®s over the next two weeks. A digital photo gallery of their images from high fashion to street style and everything in between will live at onesmallseed.com. Up until 26 April, images will be added daily to each person’s digital gallery and you will be able to vote for your favourite 501® collection from 24 – 30 April. Also, watch Twitter and Facebook for upcoming competitions.

Feeling left out? Join the global movement by tagging a photo of yourself in your 501® jeans with #501s on Twitter or by uploading directly at LEVIS501.com.

IMAGE: LEVI’S®

LEVI’S® 501® INTERPRETATION: DYLAN MUHLENBERG

one small seed — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:53:18 +0000

Dylan Muhlenberg, image: Andrew Brauteseth

Dylan Muhlenberg grew up with a love for words and has worked in the magazine industry for a decade now. After eight years of living the lux life at GQ he’s now realized that health is the new wealth and is helping men to become better versions of themselves at the country’s biggest men’s magazine, Men’s Health. Otherwise his byline has appeared in most major publications, which include Condé Nast Traveller and Monocle. Along with the regular trend reporting for the Future Laboratory in London, Muhlenberg sits on Mr. Porter’s Style Council. The avid surfer and motorcyclist can be found running Table Mountain’s trails, playing footy and doing the odd white collar boxing match. He lives in Cape Town with his wife and two kids and recently accepted his male pattern baldness by shaving his head and growing a big ol’ beard.

To find out more about Dylan Muhlenberg go to mrporter.com. And for more information on ‘501® Interpretation’ click here!

GALLERY – Updated daily!

Portrait by Andrew Brauteseth

LEVI’S® 501® INTERPRETATION: ROY POTTERILL

one small seed — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:53:03 +0000

Roy Potterill – Image by Pieter Vosloo

A long-time fixture of the Joburg creative community, Roy Potterill has always had an eye for opportunity and a talent for making things happen. Having got his hands dirty in everything from textiles to tattoo shops, his current passions for photography, technology and emerging markets have seen him rise to fame as a mobile photographer, bringing both international exhibition and critical acclaim. Currently the co-founder and creative wizz at Mobile Media Mob — a visual-based mobile content agency — Roy spends his days giving brands a piece of his ever-resourceful mind.

To find out more about Roy Potterill go to mobilemediamob.com. And for more information on ‘501® Interpretation’ click here!

GALLERY

Portrait by Pieter Vosloo

LEVI’S® 501® INTERPRETATION: DAN NASH

one small seed — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:53:01 +0000

Dan Nash, image: Paul Ward

Creator and editor of South Africa’s Favourite Second Best Entertainment blog, Bangers & Nash. Online marketing consultant. MFCEO of #WhatUpRibs.

To find out more about go to bangersandnash.com. And for more information on ‘501® Interpretation’ click here!

GALLERY

Portrait by Paul Ward

LEVI’S® 501® INTERPRETATION: GRANT PAYNE

one small seed — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:52:59 +0000

Grant Payne, image: Dean Elliott

Hello, mynameisgrant. I am a 25-year-old South African-based photographer/creator. Born and bred in the 031, I call Durban home but now make my bed in Cape Town. My roots in photography lie deep in the streets. Black and white, shape and shadows… I am one of those shoot-first-ask-later kinda’ guys. I don’t often look for the beauty in things… but I try look for the truth. To me, a perfect image isn’t sharpness or pixel quality… it’s capturing that moment that will never present itself again. Always hunting, always looking… you never know what you’re going to see today.

To find out more go to mynameisgrant.com. And for more information on ‘501® Interpretation’ click here!

GALLERY

Portrait by Dean Elliott