Ahead of his biggest exhibition so far, Stardust at London’s National Portrait Gallery, famed photographer David Bailey opened up about his subjects Jean Shrimpton and Kate Moss and his inability to see their appeal.
Bailey called both Shrimpton and Moss “the most peculiar women,” despite being a key part of both of their careers. Bailey even dated Shrimpton, a ‘60s it-girl, for four years.
“I’ve never understood why everybody likes them so much. There are many more beautiful girls. But they’ve got this universal, democratic appeal,” he said, The Telegraph reports. “It’s like Dietrich and Garbo in movies, they’ve just got this thing that makes them stand out.”
Bailey has shot both Shrimpton and Moss numerous times, and he has even been credited with making Shrimpton who she is today. He did admit, “I think we created each other.”
Moreover, Bailey, 76, told Reuters that selfies are just a “silly moment” and will soon be out of style.
"People won't be doing it in six months' time. There will be another craze, I can't see the point,” he said, admitting he only just heard of them.
Bailey’s Stardust will feature 250 portraits that he’s created over his 55-year career. The exhibit will open Feb. 6.
image: Wikimedia Commons
