Photographer Anne Menke’s new book explores diverse cultures

The beautifully vibrant, layered skirt of a young woman adorns the cover of fashion photographer Anne Menke’s recently released book titled “See the World Beautiful.” At Rizzoli Bookstore on Tuesday, Menke met and talked with fans for a book signing.

Menke, a German-native who now divides her time between New York and Mexico, has traveled the world on assignments for publications such as Vogue, Elle and W magazine. Whether photographing locations in Brazil, India, Alaska or Spain, Menke falls in love with the diverse people and beautiful scenery that surround her.

“Seeing places and meeting people,” Menke said when asked about her favorite part of her job. This passion is evident throughout the book and shines through the photographs that are either strikingly colorful or high-contrast black-and-whites. Menke also prefers more natural photo shoots and has rarely taken photographs in a studio. Diverging from her previous work, high fashion takes a backseat.

“There are only 10 or 15 fashion photographs in this book,” Menke said.

The book is split into 15 sections, each corresponding to a different location. The commentary accompanying each photograph features the clothing of each culture and also how each of the cultural events she has witnessed has affected her. In one section, Menke compares the clashing textures and colors favored by the Peruvian locals to the aesthetics of fashion designer Hussein Chalayan and then goes on to remark upon the gender roles that exist in Peru’s culture.

“See the World Beautiful” is a fantastic journey through the beauty that our vast and diverse world has to offer. Menke’s extensive travels provide her with a unique point of view; her lens is simply our conduit to her world.

Michael Joerres is a contributing writer. Email him at bstyle@nyunews.com.