The other side of the picture

In the decade since, he has lent his power to two international brands, “restoring the fortunes,” as Vogue put it, of the house of Rochas, and then moving on to Nina Ricci as artistic director. His work has appeared on the cover of French, British, and American Vogue worn by Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman, among other stars. Even the most casually fashion conscious consumers know his name, his striking face, and his dark, soft, and often-flattering aesthetic.

In this special edition book, photographer Julien Claessens looks back at his whirlwind career thus far. Claessens, who was given unprecedented backstage access to Theyskens' fashion shows, beautifully captures the designer's romantic and mysterious oeuvre.