The Versace campaigns of 2000 - 2001 did seem to approach the iconic, and with gallery exhibitions, considered by some to be Art. Like the rest of
his work I find them accomplished but devoid of any distinct orginality. I think his work is actually rather bland. There is a subtlty of line and an aesthetic that runs through the work of NK and Penn for example, regardless of subject matter format or technique employed. That Meisel can render the philosophy of a fashion brand so very well and leave no footprint behind is, I believe, the reason for his success and continued employment by Prada. I think however the photographer lends his identity to great campaigns. Think of how Schoener and Luchford made Prada so cool in the 90's, and how Teller has been so important in the building of Marc Jacobs brand. I can see where Klein and Meisel might be seen to overlap, but there is an underlying darkness
that identifies Klein, certainly in recent years, and he is truely more original.
