Chris Von Wangenheim and the Insta-Aesthetic

Chris Von Wangenheim was undoubtedly the most forward thinking fashion photographer of his time. Wangenheim quite literally invented the 'instagram' aesthetic in the 1970's which is finding its way back into the limelight today, it is perhaps no coincidence that his work is being republished for a new Photo book Gloss. The book of course features Wangenheim's most notable works that define him as a photographer and the era in which he worked. 

A white horse has become a symbol of the 70's, as photographs of Bianca Jagger seen riding a horse in Studio 54 have become an icon for that age, Wangenheim also explores this commonality with this sexual image featuring two models and a white horse. When thinking of the 70's one tends to forget about the lingering sexual liberation that continued from the 60's due to the conservative imagery produced however Wangenheim successfully captures the overly sexualised photographs that we have since been desensitised to.  

1975, Chris Von Wangenheim

His images of past fashion ironically seem to influence future fashion, for example Wangenheim's campaign for Dior featuring Lisa Taylor and a dog bears resemblance to Givenchy's infamous Rottweiler print. Yet again selling sex with a hint of beastiality.

Lisa Taylor for Dior, 1976, Chris Von Wangenheim

Another trend from the 1970's seen in many of today's fashion photography, and also donned by celebrities such as Lady Gaga, are the bleached eyebrows. As many people today may think the look is completely original, Wangenheim's talent goes uncredited. 

Donna Jordan, 1977, Chris Von Wangenheim

Chris Von Wangenheim died in a car crash in 1981, after having created some of the most forward thinking and forever relevant images ever taken with a camera lens. Through his use of sexual liberation on film, Wangenheim created his own style, a style that many people, more so today than ever, attempt to adopt on their instagram accounts to gain more likes, without knowing the true meaning of why.