Willy Vandeperre
Willy Vanderperre, a towering figure in the realm of contemporary fashion photography, emerged from the illustrious backdrop of Antwerp’s Royal Academy of Fine Arts. Initially enrolled in fashion design, his path veered into photography, a medium through which he has since articulated a unique visual language that resonates deeply within the fashion industry. His early exposure to the “Antwerp Six” and collaborative relationships with icons such as Raf Simons, Olivier Rizzo, and Peter Philips set the stage for a career marked by profound creativity and innovation.
Vanderperre’s work is celebrated in leading publications like Love, W Magazine, AnOther Magazine, and American Vogue, and he is credited with defining campaigns for Raf Simons, Christian Dior, and Prada, among others. His ability to capture the essence of cultural icons, from A$AP Rocky to Millie Bobby Brown, further cements his status as a photographer of considerable influence and range.
Drawing from the solitude and emotive landscapes of his rural upbringing in Flanders, Belgium, Vanderperre’s photography is imbued with themes of isolation, youth, and emotion, serving as a window to his introspective exploration of human experience.
In 2015, Vanderperre took a novel approach to publishing with “635,” a book that encapsulates his journey through Instagram up until the point of printing. This was followed by “865,” continuing the chronicle of his digital footprint, and “485,” showcasing fan art—a testament to his impact on and engagement with a broader audience.
2016 marked Vanderperre’s foray into film directing with the premiere of Naked Heartland at London’s Institute of Contemporary Art, accompanied by a book of stills from the film. This work further explores his recurring motifs of youth, isolation, and the salvatory aspects of pop culture.
By 2018, Vanderperre’s artistic journey led him to stage his first solo exhibition in Europe, presented in London, offering a comprehensive view of his enduring preoccupations and contributions to the visual culture of our times. His career, characterized by a relentless pursuit of emotional depth and visual storytelling, continues to shape the contours of contemporary fashion photography.