Luella's Guide to English Style




Luella Bartley has recently released a book titled Luella’s Guide to English Style. Luella chose Dean’s picture of Dizzee Rascal to feature in the book.

This charming book is a beautifully-bound, traditional, embossed hardback and is guide to the social style rituals of Britain.

The former journalist’s study is a social, anthropological one supported by photographs, illustrations and occasional diagrams (which appear as numbered plates).

The seriousness of the books exterior, along with the traditional layout, present a light hearted and humorous content which explores contemporary themes through chapters covering Tradition English “Garb”, fashion values according to class and the different Tribes of Britannia.

Dean’s picture (plate No. 33) supports Luella’s analysis of ‘Grime’ where she credits Grime artists such as Dizzee for salvaging working-class style form the chav, by injecting back into it a bit of humor and satire. The picture was taken from the front cover of Dizzee Rascal’s debut album Boy in Da Corner, which was shot by Dean.

In all the book looks beautiful and is both enlightening to the uninitiated and affirming to the familiar. A really nice read.

Matthew Williamson Book


British Fashion Designer Matthew Williamson is the subject of a new book by internationally renowned publishing house Rizzoli which was released on the 18th October 2010.

The book is a definitive volume, exploring Matthew’s life, work and achievements. It is a wholly absorbing experience of riotous colour.

Dean’s contribution to the book is a picture of Matthew in his home. Matthew sits amongst his interesting bright and colourful study, it’s clear to see all his influences, including the Indian inspired colour pallet that permeates into his work for the likes of Pucci and his own eponymous label.

The Book comprises of numerous photographs by the worlds top fashion photographers. Images of shows, collections, and even personal snapshots and sketches by Matthew himself are contained within its pages. Colin McDowell; the author of the book, chronicles Matthews career, from his debut collection, ‘Electric Angels’ to his 10-year anniversary show giving a unique insight into the life of one of Britain’s most celebrated designers.

Dean was kindly invited along to the book’s launch on Tuesday 12th October at Somerset house. A concurrent exhibition is being held there until January 2011, featuring images from the book. Here’s what Matthew Williamson said about the night:

"This book feels like a new chapter in my life, it was so personal to me. It is amazing to be here with all my close friends.”

Click
here to read more about the book.

Kings of Leon- in London for Uncut



The week following Dean’s trip to New York to shoot Kings of Leon for the NME, the Kings of Leon came to the UK. This time the session took place at the beautiful Connaught Hotel, for Uncut Magazine.

The Magazine has run a six double-page spread on the Kings, with an interview by Jaan Uhelszki in which the Kings talk about their early songwriting days, recalling stories of a prophetic preachers from back home, as well as artistic differences in the band and of course the obligatory family bust-ups.

The magazine, which came out this week, also features a review of the Kings of Leon album “Come Around Sundown”, which they have given 4/5 stars.

To read more go to http://www.uncut.co.uk/news/uncut/news/14356



Dean's Exhibition mentioned in ASOS




Flicking though October’s issue of ASOS this week we came across a mention of Dean’s Touring Exhibition ‘The New Faces’ in their ‘Hot New Now’ section on page 43 where the ’The Mod Squad’ is their ‘mood of the month’….

www.deanchalkley.com now features an online gallery dedicated to ‘The New Faces’ exhibition, it shows a sample of 9 images taken from the 30 strong body of work making up the collection.

Here is what people said about The New Faces Exhibition when it came out:







Kings of Leon- in New York for NME








Dean flew to New York to catch up with the Kings of Leon for the 21st August 2010 edition of the NME. The shoot took place at Milk Studios on Manhattan.

The Kings were in fine spirits, it was the first shoot they had collectively done for a while…

The images accompanied an great interview by the journalist Barry Nicolson, in the wake of ‘the incident’ (you’ll have to read more of the magazine to find out about that..). The article touches many issues that are close to the hearts of the band not least the subject of the bands reaction to being accused of ‘selling out’ as well as offering a prelude to the band’s eagerly anticipated 5th album ‘Come Around Sundown’.

The shoot has a ‘warm’ feel to it, Dean wanted to reflect the Followill’s homely small town, southern roots that challenges the ‘Stadium Rock’ label that they have been attributed since the release of ‘Because of the Times’.

According to those lucky enough to have had a sneak preview of the bands new record, it is reported to be very much back to their old roots, which will delight old fans as well as show the new comers the journey they have come.

For more from this session go to NME.com or pop along to the news stand and pick up a copy of the magazine.

Tony Christie- New Single





Dean met up with Tony Christie in the midst of his stint, treading the boards in the west-end musical show Dreamboats & Petticoats

The shoot took place amidst the landmarks of Soho’s old-school clubland, with scenes that would not have looked out of place in Colin MacInnes’ Absolute Beginners, Bar Italia and the rain splattered streets featured heavily.

Dean shot Tony for his brand new record ‘Now’s the Time’, which is being released on Acid Jazz in January 2011.

The first single ‘Nobody in the World’ out on the 8th November, has a great Northern Soul feel and would not be out of place in any self respecting soul DJ’s set.
It’s the first release from Tony on the Acid Jazz label.

The Album ‘Now is the Time’, sees Christie, going back to his roots bringing together the sound of Northern Soul, British Beat and Cinematic sound-tracks.

Jarvis Cocker, a big fan of Tony, has reworked the iconic theme from the film ‘Get Carter’, for the album now entitled ‘Get Christie’, it has an additional classic line from the film  “he’s a big man but he’s out of shape” …nice touch….

More on the album as it approaches it’s release, but for the time being…


Tess Daly - The Observer




Dean’s pictures of Tess Daly were featured in the 26.09.10 issue of The Observer.

The hostess of Strictly Come Dancing was in a playful mood on the shoot and depicts Tess in a chic and glamorous way, far from the celebrity lifestyle magazines in which she is often portrayed. With elegant dresses by Stella McCartney and Amanda Wakeley and a hat by milliner Peter Betley.

The article by Elizabeth Day touches on the personal issues that have revolved around Tess’ life in the past year. In the article she also explains how her TV career took off and expresses her love for her dear friend, the late Quentin Crisp.