Renowned hairstylist Guido Palau has long been an influential figure in the fashion industry. His latest art book is called Hidden Identities, and it captures his creative journey with model Kaia Gerber. The project is an innovative collaboration between the two that also celebrates their friendship and features art with different wigs and an interesting lo-fi vision.
A Hairstylist With Many Books
Guido Palau and Kaia Gerber have worked together for many years, building a strong bond through their numerous projects. When Palau proposed a new project featuring a variety of wigs, Gerber eagerly agreed. The book is a collection of lo-fi images where Gerber wears different wigs, showcasing her versatility.
The whimsical wigs were sourced by Palau during his travels, each one bringing out unique characteristics in Gerber. With the aim to capture spontaneity, Palau shot the images on his iPhone, giving the collection a raw and pixelated charm. This approach to the latest of his books was driven by his fascination with the raw aesthetics of early videos and VHS tapes. This inspiration led him to prefer lo-fi images over polished photographs.
Preserving Memories Physically
The project celebrates imperfection and spontaneity, diverging from traditional fashion photography norms. The final product, blending elements of fanzines and documents, reflects the seamless creative dialogue between Palau and Gerber. Their trust and friendship allowed for a fearless exploration of new ideas, resulting in a truly experimental work.
While Hidden Identities may seem like an art book at first, it has deeper significance for Palau. To him, it is a time capsule, preserving memories of his creative journey and friendship with Gerber in a way digital media cannot. Palau believes that physical books have a special place in capturing moments and emotions and bringing forth nostalgia, much like old records, so it’s no wonder that holding Hidden Identities gives a sensation of intimacy and permanence that digital formats tend to lack.