The nineties was a decade of unprecedented growth in fashion photography. For a message to reach a wide audience it was most effective to use the channels of lifestyle and fashion editorials. The aesthetics of socially concerned b/w reportage became outdated, and as a result so did some of the issues. One of these issues was that of asylum seekers. They have caused governments to tighten up Fortress Europe with a cordon sanitaire, they are subject to political juggling in election campaigns, and they have driven mobs to direct action - burning their shelters and even murder. We think we can spot an asylum seeker by lifestyle attributes such as cheap clothing and dreary residences. But mixing the harsh reality with a luxury suit and the gloss of fashion aesthetics can help to remind us that some of them could have been architects, engineers, managers, teachers or presidents in the countries that they were forced to leave behind. Photos and concept: Immo Klink |