David Bailey Tells CNN Style: Most Fashion Photography's Pretty Crap...

As well as his iconic fashion shots and celebrity portraits, David Bailey is also well-known for his brute honesty, something that was very apparent in a recent interview with CNN Style where he discussed his latest exhibition at the National Galleries Scotland - Stardust - as well as the fashion photography industry and his latest book - Tears and Tears. 

“Most people don’t like working with me, especially fashion editors, because I don’t agree with them," Bailey told CNN Style. "I’m not going to have someone tell me how a girl should look. A girl looks like I want her to look. If they want her to look like that, either get somebody else, or do it themselves."

Asked by CNN Style if he would shoot fashion again, he says: “Only for a lot of money!” as he can't: "deal with those people."

The photographers working in the fashion industry didn't get off lightly in the interview either with Bailey telling CNN Style:

"Most fashion photography's pretty crap, not much better than most wedding photography...If it's good, like (American photographer Richard) Avedon or somebody, then it's exceptional. But the average fashion shoot is like, pffffff."

During the interview, Bailey even discussed Picasso who he twice turned down the chance to capture images of during his lifetime. He told CNN Style, “I don't regret it… I was scared of walking in, seeing this balding old geezer - looking a bit like me now, a bit of a belly - and he farts, and it would completely ruin my opinion of him." 

You can read the full interview over on the CNN Style website.