Alasdair McLellan is one of fashion’s most fore most photographers. This may seem irrelevant to a blog based on the ‘Indie’ subculture, however, born in Doncaster 1974, it is McLellan’s northern roots that he reflects in most of his work that I find lends itself well to being referred to as indie.

   After studying photography at Nottingham Trent University, McLellan has gone on to shoot numerous covers for Vogue and i-D and also campaigns for Margaret Howell and Topshop.

   Always referring back to his past, his work reflects upon the gritty, blue atmosphere of the north. Sharing a similar belief in ‘English Realism’ with fellow northerner Morrissey, whom of which he includes as one of his influences, it is reflected in his work through use of dull colour, industrial locations and a general depressed mood. American photographer Bruce Weber also has influence on McLellan’s work as they share similar industrial, working class heritage. “He believes that photography should be personal and loves the possibility of creating any kind of world through its medium.”- https://i-donline.com/en_gb/topics/28/alasdair-mclellan

   One of the strongest parts of the Indie subculture is its reference to music, this of which Alasdair also relates to in his work. Bringing the arts of fashion and music together, McLellan has done shoots with artists such as Arctic Monkeys singer Alex Turner and of Morrissey for an interview in i-D magazine in 2004. He was also a member of the group that produced ‘Fashion DJs’- an event held at Abbey Road studios in an attempt to ‘celebrate the inextricable link between musical performance and fashion exhibitionism.’-  http://showstudio.com/project/fashion_djs

   I came across Alasdair’s work on my visit to Salford Lad’s club when I saw an image on their notice board of fashion model Cara Delevingne shot outside the same building. This editorial, titled ‘Manchester Division’ was shot for fashion magazine Purple, using typically ‘Indie’ locations for this shoot such as record stores and some back street alleys. The contrast between the modernity of the Stella McCartney and Mary Katrantzou pieces used against the cold and dull setting that is Manchester works well. I also like the juxtaposition of the look of the male model Tom Middlehurst, whose hair is deliberately styled in an Ian Curtis way, against the fresh face of Delevingne. In a way this reflects what ‘Indie’ is today. It’s going against what you think it should be, it’s rebellious and goes against the curve.