Happy Victims of Consuming Passions

"Happy Victims," an exhibition of photographs by Kyoichi Tsuzuki showcasing fashion followers who become obsessed with one designer that their homes become a mircrocosmos of that designer, will be showing at the Photographers Gallery until November 16th.

On Thursday, November 30th, British design duo Eley Kishimoto will discuss the works, which offer an exceptional view of the subjects who brought their wardrobes out of their closets and into their tiny living spaces.

Tsuzuki, 47, started his series in the Ryoko Tsushin fashion news magazine in April 1999 and showcased some of the pictures at France's fashion festival in Hyeres and in Paris. According to the artist, most fashion companies are uncooperative, as the photographs are the opposite to the images they want to produce.

The subjects, many of who have careers in fashion or the creative arts, have an extraordinary fascination for a particular designer. Take the average salaryman, who carries his Hermes briefcase to work wrapped in a towel (Hermes) in case his hands are sweaty.

Still, the photographs are not derisory. They are tender, reflective, graphic and intriguing. It would be easy to laugh a these high-fashion aficionados when the idea of building a universe from one designer's vision seems preposterous. According to Tsuzuki, "these victims are really normal people. They love their clothes, just like some people love books, music or art. I want to show my true respect to these people who sacrifice their daily comforts to devote themselves to the designs they choose to love."

"Happy Victims" can be viewed at The Photographers Gallery, 8 Great Newport Street, London, until November 16th.