PLEASURES introduces new evocative Robert Mapplethorpe collection

Also known as Patti Smith’s other half, Robert Mapplethorpe was an American photographer best known for his provocative black-and-white photography. Not unlike the raw, adamantly against-the-grain musicians he surrounded himself with, from the beginning Mapplethorpe had a DIY sensibility, producing his own Polaroid photographs, a process which he deemed “more honest.”

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Upon being gifted, years later, a Hasselblad 500 camera by Sam Wagstaff, benefactor and mentor, Mapplethorpe had a perspective shift, and he began focusing the lens on his circle of friends and acquaintances — artists, musicians, socialites, film stars, and members of the S&M underground. Today, the late creative legend’s legacy lives on, in a vast, provocative, and powerful body of work that has solidified him as one of the 20th century’s canonized artists, and a perennial inspiration on photography and music culture who is still represented in galleries across the globe. 

As a brand forever aiming to highlight and uphold creative icons whose work has been influenced by, and influenced, the music industry from all angles, today PLEASURES released a collection entirely inspired by Mapplethorpe’s art, and global impact. 

The collection consists of 16 different items. Look for this collection dropping today (Nov. 3), available on pleasuresnow.com and other global retailers. Partnership done in collaboration with Artestar, a global licensing agency and creative consultancy representing high-profile artists, photographers, designers, and creatives. 

Photography by Nikki Nixon 

Styling by Carl Lovestrand

Modeling by Zack Bond