THE 70s happened in colour. In fashion photography more than anywhere else. Deep, rich, super-saturated glossy hues. Colours you want to lick. And that s before you look at the content. The truth is, 70s fashion photography was hung up on a post-Deep Throat porno chic. You can see it in the pictures of the star fashion photographers of that time: Helmut Newton, Chris van Wangenheim and Guy Bourdin. Steve Hiett, though, was never as blatant in his imagery. His work was much more restrained, more mysterious at times. But there is a similar moody charge to his photographs. They often look like stills from the chicest of crime dramas. Hitchcock via Vogue Italia. Certainly his models could be Hitchcock heroines. He once said he was interested in taking pictures of strange, beautiful girls in strange beautiful places in strange beautiful light. He succeeded in that time and again. His story goes like this. He started off as a musician until he was blown off stage by an electric shock. Not sure what to do, he picked up a camera. He became friendly with Jimi Hendrix and took pictures of him at the Isle of Wight Festival. And then the fashion magazines started calling. It s a mark of his talent that they still are. --The Herald This retrospective book is not only a great look back at fashion photographer Steve Hiett's colour-drenched and wholly distinctive photography, but is also a fascinating walk through the history of contemporary fashion. Hiett's work has much in common with photography heavyweights Guy Bourdain and Miles Aldridge, as well as more niche contemporary practitioners like Vivian Sassen. As with much photography of this ilk, Hiett's images will not be for everyone. The garish nature of some of the images can at times feel a little overwhelming. But that's not necessarily a criticism. The fact is, these images stay with you long after you put the book down. --What Digital Camera?