Karl Lagerfeld: Trait par Trait

The phrase "Trait par trait" translates literally as "feature by feature," but the attendant connotation is of both mark-making and faithful rendition. So it is with Karl Lagerfeld's latest book, which showcases his celebrity portrait photography, made for the French magazine Madame Figaro. Focusing on actors, directors and musicians, Lagerfeld depicts a gamut of international stars. From Jeanne Moreau and Charlotte Rampling, to Cate Blanchett, Benicio del Toro and Pamela Anderson, Lagerfeld traverses the spectrum of legends and newcomers that defines today's entertainment industry. These black-and-white photographs incorporate both classic and more progressive portraiture styles, from a refined profile of Richard Berry to an exuberant Valerie Lemercier, feet bare and arms outstretched. Lagerfeld elicits the essential features of his subjects, and to this end he also encourages role-play, enacting each sitter's sense of self: there is the beaming Jack Nicholson in trademark sunglasses, the cryptic David Lynch lighting a cigarette Jimmy Dean-style, the smoldering Monica Bellucci and the mischievous Ashton Kutcher. Lagerfeld also contrives pastiche vignettes: Lindsay Lohan for example appears as an alluring young Elizabeth Taylor, and Fanny Ardant as Maria Callas.