King of cool Steve McQueen’s influence on modern men’s style should never be underestimated. From the Persol shades, to the Harrington jackets, McQueen was the man to wear it first. But it wasn’t just the clothes that made him so inimitably stylish. It was the attitude: that air of mannish nonchalance which meant he could pull off a cardigan like nobody else. Not even your nan.
There are so many iconic shots of the actor out there, you may think you’ve seen them all. But a new book provides insight into the world of the all-American rebel. Unseen McQueen features pictures of the actor at work and play that have never before been published.
The images were shot by his close friend, photographer Barry Feinstein. Feinstein started his career as a production assistant for Colombia, but took photographs whenever he could. Thanks to a raw natural talent, his work was noticed and he was soon snapping the biggest names of the 1960s, including Marlon Brando, Clarke Gable and Bob Dylan.
But it was his friendship with McQueen that helped him produce his finest work. McQueen’s relaxed air in Feinstein’s candid photographs is what captivates, and the results are testament to the genuine bond that existed between the pair.
The new book Unseen McQueen: Barry Feinstein is out now (£19.95; reelartpress.com).
