“When I was asked to make a selection on Paris Photo, I immediately wanted to pay homage to William Klein. For me, he’s one of the greatest of his century – and I’ve known photographers! All his images are masterpieces.
I knew his work long before I put a name to it. When I was young, I had seen his fashion photos, his satirical film Who are you, Polly Maggoo? I was fascinated. He was the king of black and white, a chronicler of his time, who represented misery better than wealth.
He was bold, visionary, with a derisive eye on fashion. He could bewitch you with an image, but there was always a possible double reading of his shots. Klein remained rebellious. Without being part of the establishment, he paved the way for many photographers. He showed them that their duty was to remain true to their gaze.
I was very touched by his death in September. I had the immense good fortune to meet him at the Center Pompidou, in 2012, on the occasion of the annual fashion film festival organized by Diane Pernet. I asked him to sign my arm, I was ready to kneel!
It had an incredible effect on me. He was already old, but, like all great geniuses, he was very simple. There was tenderness in him, he shared everything without giving the impression that he knew everything.
I was lucky enough to see him again, because at the time he lived next to the Luxembourg Gardens, and I wasn’t very far. I never dared to ask him to take my picture. But it was a treat to be around him, to enjoy his company, to see his work.
I too have my little background as a photographer, I’m addicted, I take a lot of photos. William had an incredible, authentic, original, personal, very daring look. He leaves us a huge legacy. He was someone special. For me, it is eternal. »
Paris Photographyat the ephemeral Grand Palais, from November 10 to 13.