In contrast to the posed fashion images so prevalent in magazines, Pamela Hanson’s photographs convey a personal connection and a real friendship with her models who are engaged in fun, joyful activities. As she began her career in Paris in the 1980’s, Hanson roomed with models and tuned into their thinking, ambitions and lifestyles – insight which served her well as her career progressed and she became one of the very few women working in the field at the time. This exhibition and the publication of her book The '90s (Rizzoli) celebrate this distinct period in fashion and includes images that have never been published or exhibited previously. This book and these photographs are “a love letter to the decade that changed everything,” says Hanson, and they epitomize a relaxed and spirited era of style that has never been more relevant today.
Pamela Hanson was born in London, grew up in Switzerland, and attended the American School in Lugano and later the University of Colorado. Her interest in photography began early and she started her career while working as an assistant to Arthur Elgort. Her photographs of burgeoning supermodels including Christy, Linda, and Kate appeared regularly in magazines such as VOGUE, Harper’s Bazaar, GQ, Town and Country, and Vanity Fair and she created print and video commercials for brands including Estée Lauder, Ralph Lauren, Supreme, L’Oréal, Dior, and many others. Hanson directed a series of television spots to raise funds for finding a Juvenile Diabetes cure and has received an award from the Association of Independent Commercial Producers (AICP) for her “Family Stories” short documentary, a public service announcement collaboration with The Partnership at Drugfree.org. Hanson’s work is included in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum.