Fashion: The Story of a Lifetime

© William Klein: Tatiana + Marie Rose + Camels, Picnic, Morocco, 1958

© F.C. Gundlach Left: “The Cheops pyramids”, Karin Mossberg and Micky Zenati in Op Art-Fashion, Gizeh/Egypt 1966 Right: Lissy Schaper for Triumph, Tanger/Marocco 1964

© Norman Parkinson Left: Queen Magazine, The Wilder Shores of Sheik, 1963 Right: Queen Magazine, December 1963, Jean Shrimpton wearing Dior

© Sarah Moon Left: Avril pour Alaia, 2006 Right: Audrey pour Comme des Garcons, 1998

© Lillian Bassman: Anne-Saint Marie, NY, Chanel Advertising Campaign, 1958

The Dubai art and cultural calendar is back after a summer break and I'm looking forward to The Empty Quarter's "Fashion: The Story of a Lifetime" that opens this week. It's a unique, museum quality collection of vintage and modern prints by famed international photographers whose lifetime stories are intrinsically tied to 20th-century high fashion.

The photographers include Albert Watson, Norman Parkinson, F.C. Gundlach, Lillian Bassman, Elliott Erwitt, Erwin Blumenfeld, Melvin Sokolsky, Sarah Moon and Frank Horvat - all are internationally renowned for their immense contribution to fashion photography.

Their legendary images are paired with the incredible story of Parveen Shaath, a fashion aficionado from Saudi Arabia who devoted her entire life to haute couture dresses, collecting the best pieces among the Saudi society. A few of these dresses by notable fashion houses will be on display in the gallery.

I am really, really, really looking forward to this.

Exhibition details:

Dates: 14th September to 17th October 2010 (Vernissage on 16th September)
Location: The Empty Quarter, Gate Village at DIFC, Bldg 02
Phone: +971 4 323 1210
Website: www.theemptyquarter.com

All images courtesy of The Empty Quarter.