chinese couture visionary guo pei's sculptural creations are shot in otherworldly environments

guo pei’s richly bejeweled creations are characterized by an artisan craftsmanship and theatrical fantasy which is often compared to that of alexander mcqueen and sarah burton’s. HOWL collective has shot the designer’s creations in a series of fairy tale set ups, which have been published by rizzoli in the first major monograph of china’s leading couture visionary.

 

legend of the dragon
all images courtesy of rizzoli

 

 influenced by the ancient traditions and symbols of her chinese heritage, guo pei is known for her glamorous silhouettes, ornate embroidery and intricate designs that have dressed chinese state dignitaries and american celebrities alike. the rizzoli monograph titled ‘guo pei – couture beyond’ offers insight into the designer’s work with 122 original images shot by HOWL collective, featured alongside numerous studio shots that showcase the garments’ intricacies. under the creative direction of jim lind, the fairy tale-like photographs are divided in themes with titles such as ‘a thousand and two nights’, ‘legend of the dragon’, and ‘an amazing journey in a childhood dream’.

 

 

publisher: rizzoli
forward: paula wallace
introduction: lynn yaeger
photography: HOWL collective
creative direction & retouch: jim lind