Willy Vandeperre Speaks out on the Days of His Youth in a Rare Interview
“I was really naive.”
Living legend in the world of fashion photography, Willy Vandeperre is somewhat of an enigma. Yes, his face is known, but not by many, as he prefers to go behind the lens rather than the front. His camera flash has flared on the likes of Dane DeHaan and Jessica Chastain, stars of Prada’s most recent Resort 2017 campaign. Vandeperre is also the one behind Rihanna’s latest FENTY PUMA images and all of Raf Simons’ campaigns since the launch of his eponymous label. The Antwerp-educated photog rarely accepts interviews, asking to remain unbothered at Dover Street Market book signings or only opening his mouth to promote his debut short film, Naked Heartland. Vandeperre recently spoke to 1 Granary, a magazine by students and graduates of Central Saint Martins, Royal College of Art, Royal Academy of Fine Arts and Parsons School of Design, where he talks about his humble beginnings shooting in his living room and cold-calling magazines to publish his work. “I was really naive,” he said. Business of Fashion got a hold of some excerpts, but the full interview can be read on 1 Granary‘s fourth issue to be on sale starting November 8.
