Patty smith

American photographer Robert Mapplethorpe (1946-1989) captured the essence of the New York cultural scene in the late 1970s and 1980s through his portraits of artists, writers, musicians, designers, dealers, actors, and actresses. Though known to many for his controversial sexual images, Mapplethorpe’s most lasting legacy--and the largest portion of his oeuvre--is his striking portraiture.

Identified by Salvador Dali as a 'Gothic Crow', Patti is known as the godmother of punk. There is power in the way she dresses and like a lot of female rock icons her look represents female strength. She is conscious of who she is and uses her clothes to express this, she created 'her look' in the 1970's and has stuck with it. Whether barefoot or in cowboy boots, ethereal dresses or a man's suit, her style represents freedom. Her clothes are a mix of items thrifted from salvation army stores…

A new limited-edition book by photographer Lloyd Ziff documents the first ever shoot Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe did together, back when they were young lovers and aspiring artists navigating the heady days of Sixties New York.

Back in college, Smith became a muse for Frank Stefanko after she caught his eye in a co-op in South Jersey by "mosey[ing] in like the bad guy walking into a saloon in an old Western movie," as he recalls.

Patti Smith - Lady of the Bowery. #StyleIcon

patti smith.

The legendary musician and photographer talk about their new book, Before Easter After.

this is a blog dedicated to the beautiful artist, poet and inspiration that is patti smith. i do not own the photos. personal tumblr: gorimbaud Archive / Askbox / RSS