Iconic Images is LIMITATO’s longest standing collaborator and close friend of the brand. Having worked with us from the very start alongside the much loved and missed Terry O’Neill, Alexis Venn (Head of Licensing for Iconic) and Iconic has been with us every step of the way. Always supportive, knowledgeable and the go-to professional for us in the UK. Here we speak to the lady herself…
Hi Alexis, welcome to The Journal, could you tell us a little bit about your background and your career path to where you are now?
Hello, pleasure to be speaking with you…
I started out in brand marketing, on the agency side, working on many FMCG, luxury brands and blue chip brands such as Ferrero, Kellogg’s, Selfridges, Kodak, Frito-Lay, Shell, Ferrari and BP. In 2015 I started working with Terry O’Neill and Robin Morgan for Iconic Images, having always had a passion for fine art photography this opportunity was a dream come true for me.
Can you describe what Iconic does across the board, what is the background? The different parts of the business…
We were founded in 2013 by Robin and Terry. We are a unique IP business which owns or represents the archives of iconic people, places and eras by iconic photographers; including the “golden age” of rock n’ roll, cinema and fashion. Within our unique business we proudly boast one of the biggest existing unencumbered archives of people including The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Elton John, David Bowie, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Muhammad Ali, Audrey Hepburn, Raquel Welch, Faye Dunaway, Supermodels (1950s to 1980s), James Bond, Prince and exclusive set photography of hundreds of films. We provide numerous opportunities for our photographers and their work, including fine art print sales, ‘public space and touring exhibitions, licensing and merchandising, editorial licensing, brand collaborations and book publications.
When we started 2013 we represented only one photographer, today we are proud to say we represent 30 globally renowned photographers. Our elevator speech is, “iconic people, places and eras by iconic photographers”.
What are some your own favourite stories and pieces from the Iconic archives?
It has to be the story behind the famous Terry O’Neill image of Faye Dunaway by the swimming pool after claiming the Oscar for her role in the movie ‘Network’ as Best Actress. She didn’t think she was going to win so when did, she went out partying all night. Terry had arranged to meet her poolside at 6am to shoot her. They kept to their promise and if you see the contact sheet it’s pretty clear she had celebrated.
You work in Business Development and with other brands? What collaborations have you been part of?
There have been so many, and it’s hard to remember on the spot, but some highlights include, ‘Leica’ the camera company, ‘Anine Bing’ womenswear, ‘Raymond Weil’ watches, the new ‘Hard Rock Hotel’ in London who collaborated with us for the room wall art and we even curated our own cocktails to mirror Terry’s work with the Savoy’s America Bar in London via celebrity mixologist ‘Declan McGurk.’
How did the introduction to LIMITATO happen?
It was actually via one our fine art partners over in Sweden who was working on a fine art exhibition with Terry O’Neill in 2015 and mentioned the boys. They caught Terry’s eye and he immediately fell in love with their passion, engagement and enthusiasm. We are delighted to work with them and think of them as Iconic family members.
It has been a good three years now. How has the relationship evolved?
There is clearly an appetite for fine art photography on apparel. As the LIMITATO brand has progressed it has enabled more people to consider art from the wall to wearing it. Estates have taken notice of what they are doing and from the recent Gered Mankowitz Hendrix pieces through to conversations now being had with the likes of the Van Gogh estate and Bardot too, the evolution is very clear. Four years ago we would not have been able to tackle the Hendrix estate with a collaboration like this, but because of the rapid progression, we have been able to do so.
What do you think of the product that, LIMITATO produce? Where would you like to see it in the future?
I love the quality and an attention to detail of the products that honestly mirrors our ethos here at Iconic Images. The progression of the brand into accessories and other garments from T-shirts has been a delight to see, from day one to today it’s a pleasure to work with Limitato, I am excited to see what our collaboration will deliver in the coming years.
