MAKING A SPECTACLE: The days of lockdown may be long gone, but its impact continues to ripple through the creative world. “Spectacle” is the latest example: a photography book born during lockdown, it will make its debut during New York Fashion Week.
The 260-page book by husband-and-wife photographers Guy Aroch and Anna Palma looks at the intersection of eyewear, design, fashion, art and culture. It will launch on Friday night with a party at Saturdays NYC and Alexandra Richards on the decks.
Aroch said “Spectacle” was born during the pandemic in 2021 when he and Palma created an online platform dedicated to eyewear. They asked colleagues and other creatives “to put their own twist on these everyday objects that hold a deeper meaning to us all,” said Aroch.
“It’s not purely about the glasses – it is about seeing and being seen. It’s about the people behind the glasses. About their vision. Which is always open to interpretation and potentially full of depth and meaning. We wanted the book to be visually led, and fun,” he added.
The limited-edition book, which costs $68, showcases eyewear from well-known luxury brands; specialists such as Oliver Peoples, Selima and Mykita; and newer labels including District Vision, Glvss, and Richard Quinn.
The book’s creative director is Rockwell Harwood, and there are fashion shoots by Haidee Findlay-Levin; a story with author Chris Campanioni about his District Vision sunglasses for runners; a close-up image of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s blue Issey Miyake sunglasses; and generally arty takes on all sorts of eyewear.