Archie Hayes 
Mert and Marcus: Revolutionizing Fashion Photography
Introduction: Trailblazers in Digital Fashion Photography
In the dynamic world of fashion photography, few names resonate as powerfully as Mert Alaş and Marcus Piggott, collectively known as Mert and Marcus. Born in 1971, Mert, hailing from Turkey, and Marcus, from Wales, have forged a partnership that has significantly influenced contemporary fashion imagery. Their innovative approach, marked by a distinctive blend of digital manipulation and creative vision, draws inspiration from the legendary Guy Bourdin, propelling them to the forefront of their field.
Pioneering Careers: From Humble Beginnings to Fashion Icons
Mert and Marcus’s journey began separately, with Mert immersed in classical music in Turkey and Marcus exploring graphic design in Wales. Their paths crossed in England in 1994, where Marcus’s experience as an assistant photographer complemented Mert’s fashion modeling background. Their collaboration sparked a creative synergy, leading to their first cover for ‘Dazed and Confused’ magazine. This breakthrough marked the beginning of an illustrious career.
A Portfolio of Prestige: Capturing the Essence of Fashion
Their work spans leading fashion magazines like Vogue (USA, Paris, Italia), Interview Magazine, The Love Magazine, W Magazine, Pop Magazine, Numéro, and Arena Homme Plus. Esteemed fashion houses like Dior, Louis Vuitton, Missoni, Giorgio Armani, Roberto Cavalli, Fendi, Kenzo, and Miu Miu have featured their imagery, showcasing their versatility and command over the photographic narrative.
Scent of Elegance: Crafting Visual Stories for Perfumeries
Mert and Marcus extend their artistry to the olfactory world, creating iconic images for renowned perfume brands such as Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy, and Lancôme. Their ability to translate the essence of a fragrance into a visual story is unparalleled.
Celebrity Collaborations: Capturing the Stars
Their lens has captured a galaxy of stars, including Madonna, Marion Cotillard, Cara Delevingne, Adele, Adriana Lima, Lady Gaga, Julia Roberts, Rihanna, Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, and many others. Each photograph is a testament to their ability to bring out the unique persona of each celebrity, making every shot a piece of art.
Album Art: A Fusion of Music and Imagery
Their creative expertise extends to the music industry, having designed album covers for artists like Fergie, Taylor Swift, and Nicki Minaj, and Rob Dougan’s ‘Furious Angels’ CD. Each cover is a visual representation of the music, blending auditory and visual senses.
Awards and Recognition: Honors from the Art World
In 2015, their exceptional contributions were recognized with an Honorary Fellowship from the Royal Photographic Society, a testament to their influence and mastery in the field of photography.
Key Takeaways
- Mert and Marcus, a duo of fashion photographers, have revolutionized the field with their digital manipulation techniques.
- They have collaborated with top fashion magazines, luxury brands, and celebrities, creating iconic images.
- Their work extends to creating influential perfume ads and album covers.
- They received an Honorary Fellowship from the Royal Photographic Society.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes Mert and Marcus stand out in fashion photography?
Mert and Marcus are renowned for their innovative use of digital manipulation, blending traditional photography with modern techniques to create unique and striking images. - Which top fashion magazines have featured Mert and Marcus’s work?
Their work has been featured in Vogue (USA, Paris, Italia), Interview Magazine, The Love Magazine, W Magazine, Pop Magazine, Numéro, and Arena Homme Plus. - What kind of work have they done for the perfume industry?
Mert and Marcus have created captivating ad campaigns for perfume brands like Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy, and Lancôme. - Have Mert and Marcus worked with any celebrities?
Yes, they have photographed many celebrities, including Madonna, Marion Cotillard, and Lady Gaga. - What is their contribution to the music industry?
They have created album covers for artists such as Fergie, Taylor Swift, and Nicki Minaj. - When did Mert and Marcus start working together?
Mert and Marcus began their collaboration in 1994. - What is their background before teaming up?
Mert was involved in classical music, and Marcus was in graphic design and photography. - Have they received any notable awards?
They were awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the Royal Photographic Society in 2015. - What was their first major breakthrough?
Their first major breakthrough was a cover for ‘Dazed and Confused’ magazine. - How do they influence modern fashion photography?
They influence modern fashion photography
