words Charly Suggett
Horst A. Friedrichs has quite the knack for shooting a diverse range of people partaking in their hobbies or work whilst still looking great.
His latest book Denim Style offers just that. We see people dressed in their selected denim attire studied in beautiful detail by the photographer, from the hardware of their jeans to the rough skin of their hands.
left to right: Robyn: Railcar Fine Goods Viper jeans; Michael: Ande Whall Denim Co. jeans, Indigofera Jeans jacket; Aaron: Hiut Denim jeans, Flat Head Wabash shirt.© Horst Friedrichs / Prestel
Casey wearing a Lee overall .© Horst Friedrichs / Prestel
left to right: Alec: Edwin jeans; Rafe: Maple Motorcycle jeans, Edwin jacket; Sam: Edwin jeans, Lee 1937 Cowboy Jacket.© Horst Friedrichs / Prestel
Participant at the 1st Annual Pendine Sands Hot Rod Races wearing Lee jeans.© Horst Friedrichs from Denim Style
Some of Friedrich’s previous works include books such as Cycle Style and Drive Style; Cycle Style being a very popular selection of photographs featuring men and women of all ages next to their prized possession, their bicycle. Old or new, road or foldable, the bikes vary and the character of each subject is evident in their clothing style.
His subjects for Drive Style follow a more recurring theme throughout yet the images are still beautiful with the vintage inspired ladies and gentlemen perched upon their vintage Jaguars and Aston Martins at their racing Derby.
To gain more of an insight into his latest offering, Denim Style, we asked Horst A. Friedrichs a few questions.
FLUX: If you hadn’t followed photography, what path might you have been interested in?
I’m a hugely privileged person because I get up in the morning and do what I love. My family and photography are my biggest interests in my life.
FLUX: I never used to be interested in denim until an ex boyfriend introduced me to the world of Japanese selvedge denim, and process/rigidity/community/not washing them for a year (smelly) etc. Have you always been interested and passionate about denim and the people who wear it?
I got into denim through my music and subculture book projects. When I think back when I started Denim Style (in the beginning of 2013 ). I almost shudder with fear because I kind of leaped into the unknown here in London. However, once I started to photograph some of the top Denim heads I never looked back. London has a massive jeans culture, people are jeans lovers, and in my opinion probably more than other city’s in Europe. It is definitely a hot spot right now.
FLUX: Sum up the ‘Denim Style’ book in five words.
Denim – Iconic – Classic – Timeless – Style
FLUX: If you could retire from your career with one final subject, what would that be?
A hot-air balloon ride over the Lake District to enjoy the bird’s-eye views.
‘Denim Style’ is out on 28th April published by Prestel.
