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The Arts Intel Report

A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler
A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler

Robert Fairer Backstage Pass: Dior, Galliano, Jacobs, and McQueen

Oct 13, 2021 – Apr 16, 2022
1600 Peachtree Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30309, United States

In the 1990s and early 2000s, while dozens of photographers were packed down at the end of fashion catwalks, waiting to snap a pirouette or a pout, Robert Fairer went backstage to document the models as they morphed into their runway personas. The British photographer took hundreds of thousands of candid photos, shot while stars from Kate Moss to Karen Elson had their makeup done by Pat McGrath and their hair blown out by Orlando Pita. He captured the unseen—girls nervously teetering on heels; Gisele sprinting for a quick change, holding her dress. Co-curated by Fairer and his wife, Vanessa, the exhibition displays 100 backstage moments caught at John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, Marc Jacobs, and Dior runway shows. Many of the images were taken for Vogue but never published. —J.D.

Mariacarla Boscono backstage at John Galliano’s Spring/Summer 2002 runway show. Photo by Robert Fairer.