MERT ALAS AND MARCUS

Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott

The photographic duo that makes fashion shine

Turkish-born Mert Alas and Welsh-born Marcus Piggott met in 1994 at a pier party in Hastings, England. Piggott asked Alas for a light, the two men started chatting, and soon discovered they had much in common, including a love of fashion. Three years later, the duo now known as Mert & Marcus moved into a dilapidated East London loft converted into a studio and sold their first collaborative work to Dazed & Confused magazine. Today Mert and Marcus shape the global image of such renowned houses as Giorgio Armani, Roberto Cavalli, Fendi, Miu Miu, Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy and Lancôme, and of celebrities including Lady Gaga, Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, Linda Evangelista, Gisele Bündchen, Björk, Angelina Jolie and Rihanna. Their photographs display a wide range of styles and influences, but are particularly known for their digital treatment and fascination with strong female subjects who exude confidence and erotic power, "powerful women, women who mean something, women who don't need to say or do too much to tell who I am". Transforming our famous Collector's Edition into a compact, accessible book, this collection explores the unique vision of a creative duo that continues to redefine the standards of charm, fashion and luxury. Some 300 images from Mert and Marcus's vibrant portfolio are accompanied by an introduction by Charlotte Cotton. Originally published as a TASCHEN Collector's Edition, now available in a compact, affordable edition!