I treated myself to the book Mulberry brought out to celebrate their 40th anniversary. I am addicted to all things Mulberry (bags, purses, scarves.......you name it) so I couldn’t resist.
Rather than talk about the company in great detail from when it began in 1971 it is instead “a glimpse inside our world, a fly-on-the-wall, warts and all journey through the past two years”.
Displaying nearly 500 pages of photographs, photographer Venetia Dearden had this exciting job to become a ‘Mulberry’ for two years, following their every move and documenting behind the scenes.
Having looked through the book have have tried to select just four (otherwise I could be here all day) very different photographs that have appealed to me in some way.
This first image is quite a typical "model" shot.......its all about the pale skin and the big hair.
Now this photo is the polar opposite of the first shot. There is no immaculate looking styled hair or clothes in this shot. It seems as though the photographer is trying to dispel the myth that models never eat.
Focusing solely on the brand here. I'm not sure what draws me to this image. Is it the black and gold? The feeling of irregular pattern? The picture is clearly supposed to be a random snap of the plates used to replicate the logo, but I have a feeling that they have all be carefully positioned.
This has got to be my favourite image in the whole book. It immediately struck me of the similarities between this photo and the pictures you see of drug addicts sat on the floor in dingy flats surrounded by paraphernalia. The girl in the photo is instead a true fashion addict!
I loved looking at this book and feel rather jealous that Venetia Dearden may have had what I believe is a dream job. This book appealed to me not just because of my love of this brand but because I really enjoyed the social documentary of going behind the scenes of a company so well known. In my photos I have always shied away from photographing people. Maybe I feel that there is less control over the shot unless everything is neatly organised and positioned. Now I feel inspired to capture more natural shots and develop a new style........maybe I will be pleasantly surprised at what I achieve.
Mulberry "The Book" Mulberry Company (Design) Ltd 2011
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