William Klein - Backstage Alaïa

1985

This iconic black-and-white photograph by William Klein captures a backstage moment during a 1985 fashion show by designer Azzedine Alaïa. A striking model, draped in sheer fabric, is surrounded by a flurry of stylists and assistants. Klein masterfully captures the raw energy, chaos, and elegance of the scene in his signature style. 
Hand-signed, titled and dated by William Klein in white.

Professionally framed, floating in measure-made double passe-partout, in a handcrafted wooden frame, protected by Plexiglas® Optical HC, scratch-resistant and UV-protected. Size framed approx. 43 x 33 cm.

William Klein (1926–2022) was a pioneering American photographer and filmmaker, known for his radical redefinition of both street photography and fashion imagery. His early photobooks on cities like New York, Rome, and Tokyo disrupted photographic norms with grainy textures, motion blur, high contrast, and dynamic framing. Though he worked extensively for Vogue, he remained a critical voice, blending fashion with social commentary and gritty realism.

Klein is widely regarded as one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century. His work is featured in major museum collections, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, the Centre Pompidou in Paris, and the Tate Modern in London.