10%

KIM Williams

super model extraordinaire

By KH

July 23^rd, 2019

I met Kim Williams while working as a photo assistant for Steven Meisel in the mid 1980’s. I had previous experience working with Kim, but there are a couple shoots that we did together that particularly stand out. We had recently photographed the NY Collections for Vogue on Kim in a subdued and sophisticated look, which was something new for Steven. Julien Dy’s and Kevyn Aucoin were on the Vogue shoot, and from what I recall, the one and only Ms Polly Mellon was the editor. The energy level was usually set by the music Steven wanted to listen to, and he chose Sinatra for this particular shoot. This was a first, as the music was usually more energetic and contemporary. The shoot was beautiful with a moody side light that brought depth and a classical feel to the look. You could see Kim understanding and connecting to the fashion and the mood but when Kim and Steven did their thing, a whole new unique perspective was created with the classical NY Collections. The final photographs turned out wonderfully, and were regarded as “important” for Steven, Vogue, and Kim. I think it was seen partly as Steven maturing photographically, shooting “ladies who lunch” for Vogue but successfully bringing his vision along. Not long afterwards, Steven was given another opportunity to work with Kim, this time to shoot the Geoffrey Beene campaign. Once again the dream team was assembled with Julien doing hair, Kevyn on make up and Paul Cavaco styling. I don’t know the details, but I do know Mr Beene was very forward thinking and I am sure KCD, Paul Cavaco, John Duka and Keisha Keeble were responsible for making this spectacle happen the way it did. I saw a hashtag #freecreation on a photo of the Geoffrey Beene ads on Kim’s Instagram, that says it all. There was total freedom with the team and the shoot. Kim was in her element and took off with Steven’s direction once again to animate those photographs in a powerful and encapsulating display that only she knew how to conceive. Steven was smiling and shooting, as it all came together as he had imagined it; he was taking the “ladies who lunch” shoot for Vogue and taking it even further to make that Meisel photograph only he could do! Julien’s extravagant hair worked with the elegance of Mr Beene’s clothing, and Kevyn’s makeup and energy brought it all together in one of the most memorable shoots I have ever set foot on. I think everyone in that studio that day would agree that was fashion history in the making. Special bonds are formed when you experience such events with others, and that is the reason I have a special connection with Kim Williams. It was such a pleasure to photograph someone with such talent, brilliance and individuality, thank you Kim.