Tying in art with fashion retail is its most cynical, a ploy to lure people into stores to sneak a peek at what is a real art exhibition but of course getting some bonus sales through visitors is the sideline aim.  However, that would be a joyless way of looking at things and if Paul Smith wants us to take a wee trip to his Mayfair store on Albelmarle Street to see the first London exhibition dedicated to Gian Paolo Barbieri, the longtime Vogue photographer, I'm not going to poo poo it. 

Ok, ok, cynical jest aside, Paul Smith really does choose exceedingly good (not sure why I just likened the tone there to Mr Kipling's cakes...) people to collaborate with on his many in-store exhibitions and I genuinely believe Mr Smith likes to showcase his art tastes and share them with everyone, whether they are prospective customers or not.  This time round, the Barbieri images below from the total of fourteen that are on display at the Paul Smith store, are quite alluring and are prompting me to make time for a Mayfair walk-about.  The shot of Angelica Huston (above left) taken in 1973 is particularly stunning and is making me want to seek out more images of the young Huston.