In a candid car ride conversation during Paris Fashion Week, V listens in while longtime collaborators Steven Klein and Patti Wilson catch up. As both creative pioneers approach new milestones in their tenure— Klein with the release of his highly anticipated eponymous retrospective tome, and Wilson slated to be honored at the recent 2022 CFDA Awards—the dynamic duo briefly reflect on their mutual admiration for one another, which continues to be the driving force behind their unrivaled collaborative kinship.
PATTI WILSON: Well, Steven, I have to start with saying you’re my favorite photographer. (Laughs) I truly do my best work with you.
STEVEN KLEIN: I do my best work with you! I’m biased of course, but I think the entire industry is in awe of you. I met Cher the other night at a dinner party, and she said you were the most special stylist she’s ever worked with.
PW: No! Did she really?
SK: Yes, she did! And she said you were the most intuitive and that you really understood her. She also talked about how she met Diana Vreeland and Jackie Kennedy.
PW: Wow! Cher is a phenomenon, her aura stayed on me for a few days after. I’ve never met anyone like her—actually, I’m looking for someone to present me with my CFDA Award.
SK: Can I do it, Patti? I’ve been practicing!
PW:(Laughs) Yes, but you better practice a lot!
SK: Can I curate the pictures you put up during the ceremony?
PW: I would love that! Would you really help me do that?
SK: Of course, I will. You’re always helping me, not to mention you’re one of my closest co-creators, so of course, I’d do that for you.
Karlie Kloss on Steven Klein:
“Being on set with Steven Klein is always an unforgettable experience. His work is provocative and boundary-pushing, both stylistically and conceptually. There is an incredible intensity on his sets, but it is a deeply collaborative and creative environment. I remember this shoot well because it was so unexpected and different for me at the time. It was avant-garde and edgy! Everything from the hair and makeup to Patti’s impeccable styling of the Comme des Garçons pieces made [the experience] super memorable.”
Joan Smalls on Steven Klein:
