The Selects Gallery: Company Profile

Background

Overview

Founded in February 2018 in New York City by Marie Audier D'Alessandris, The Selects Gallery is a premier online destination dedicated to fine art photography, specializing in limited-edition works by renowned fashion photographers. The gallery's mission is to revive and showcase iconic fashion and beauty photographs that have often been archived after their initial publication, providing them with a second life and broader audience.

Mission and Vision

The Selects Gallery aims to create a platform where collectors and art enthusiasts can discover, learn about, and acquire works from esteemed international photographers. By curating a selection of striking images from both established and emerging artists, the gallery seeks to preserve and celebrate the artistry and cultural significance of fashion photography.

Primary Area of Focus

The gallery focuses on fashion and culture photography, offering a refined and stylish perspective on the art form. Each photograph is presented as a limited-edition piece, ensuring exclusivity and authenticity. The Selects Gallery collaborates closely with artists and estates to produce archival-quality prints, emphasizing craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Industry Significance

In an era where digital media often leads to the rapid obsolescence of visual content, The Selects Gallery plays a crucial role in preserving and honoring the legacy of fashion photography. By offering these works as collectible art pieces, the gallery contributes to the appreciation and continued relevance of fashion photography in contemporary art and culture.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Revival of Iconic Photographs: Unearth and present hidden gems from the archives of renowned photographers, giving them renewed visibility and appreciation.

Limited Edition Offerings: Provide exclusive, limited-edition prints to collectors, ensuring rarity and value.

Collaboration with Artists and Estates: Work closely with photographers and their estates to produce authentic and high-quality reproductions.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Fashion and Beauty Photography: Specialize in works that capture the essence of fashion and beauty, reflecting the dynamic nature of these industries.

Curation of Diverse Photographers: Feature a mix of established icons and emerging talents, offering a broad spectrum of styles and perspectives.

Key Technologies Utilized

Archival Printing Techniques: Employ state-of-the-art printing methods to produce high-quality, durable prints that honor the original works.

Online Platform for Global Reach: Utilize a robust online platform to showcase and sell artworks, making them accessible to a worldwide audience.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

Art Collectors and Enthusiasts: Cater to individuals seeking unique and high-quality photographic art pieces.

Interior Designers and Architects: Provide artworks suitable for residential and commercial spaces, enhancing interior designs with curated photography.

Cultural Institutions and Galleries: Collaborate with museums and galleries to exhibit and promote fashion photography as a significant art form.

Financials and Funding

Specific details regarding The Selects Gallery's funding history, total funds raised, recent funding rounds, and notable investors are not publicly disclosed. As a privately held entity, such financial information is typically confidential. The gallery's operations are supported through the sale of limited-edition prints and collaborations with artists and estates.

Pipeline Development

The Selects Gallery continually curates and introduces new exhibitions and collections, featuring works from both established and emerging photographers. Recent exhibitions include:

"Threads of Time": An exhibition uniting the creative visions of American fashion photographer Robert Farber and Delphine Nobili, founder of Atelier Lebuisson.

"The Iconic 1970s: Portraits of Studio 54": A showcase of intimate portraits by Rose Hartman, highlighting the legendary nightclub that defined New York City nightlife in the 1970s.

"Serenity and Light": A visual dialogue between Mediterranean interiors and photography, celebrating the fusion of design and art.

These exhibitions reflect the gallery's commitment to presenting diverse and compelling works that resonate with contemporary audiences.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

On-Demand Printing and Framing: Utilize a made-to-order approach, ensuring that each piece is produced only when there is demand, thereby reducing waste and maintaining exclusivity.

Sustainable Materials: Employ eco-friendly materials in the production process, including FSC® and PEFC® certified woods for framing and archival-quality papers from sustainable sources.

Significant Scientific Methods

Archival Printing Techniques: Implement advanced printing methods to produce high-quality, durable prints that honor the original works.

Online Platform for Global Reach: Utilize a robust online platform to showcase and sell artworks, making them accessible to a worldwide audience.

Leadership Team

Marie Audier D'Alessandris – Founder and Curator

Marie Audier D'Alessandris brings over 20 years of experience in the fashion and beauty industry to The Selects Gallery. Her career includes roles such as Senior Vice President of Global & North America Marketing at Coach, Inc., Global Brand President at Philosophy, and various senior marketing positions at L'Oréal in both France and the U.S. Her passion for photography and dedication to preserving the legacy of fashion photography led her to establish The Selects Gallery.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The market for fine art photography, particularly in the fashion and beauty sectors, is characterized by a growing appreciation for limited-edition works and a desire for unique, high-quality pieces. Collectors and interior designers seek artworks that offer both aesthetic appeal and investment value. The rise of online platforms has expanded access to these markets, allowing galleries like The Selects Gallery to reach a global audience.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the fine art photography market include:

Choice Contemporary: A fine art gallery in Brentwood, California, focusing on merging pop culture with fine art, featuring both modern masters and contemporary artists.

ArtStar: An e-commerce platform for discovering and collecting contemporary art, collaborating with artists to produce limited-edition artworks.

Company Gallery: A contemporary art gallery in New York City, representing a diverse range of artists and focusing on emerging talents.

These competitors offer various approaches to art curation and sales, contributing to a dynamic and competitive landscape in the fine art photography market.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

The Selects Gallery has engaged in several notable collaborations and partnerships to enhance its market presence and artistic offerings:

Brand Collaborations: Partnered with brands like YSL Beauté and Harper's Bazaar to exhibit exclusive series of photographs, such as Kenneth Willardt's "That's Rich" series.

Interior Design Projects: Provided art for model residences and commercial spaces, including developments like The Leyton in New York City and One Steuart Lane in San Francisco.

Exhibitions and Showcases: Collaborated with institutions like Minotti and Liaigre to curate exhibitions that blend fashion photography with interior design.

Operational Insights

The Selects Gallery differentiates itself through its commitment to quality, sustainability, and exclusivity. By offering limited-edition prints and collaborating closely with artists and estates, the gallery ensures the authenticity and value of each piece. Its focus on sustainable practices, such as on-demand production and the use of eco-friendly materials, appeals to environmentally conscious consumers. The gallery's strategic collaborations with brands and interior designers further enhance its market position and visibility.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

The Selects Gallery is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing global appreciation for fine art photography. Opportunities for expansion include:

Global Market Expansion: Leveraging its online platform to reach new international markets and attract a diverse clientele.

Artist Representation: Expanding its roster to include a broader range of photographers, including emerging talents from various regions.

Collaborative Projects: Engaging in more partnerships with fashion brands, interior designers, and cultural institutions to enhance brand visibility and credibility.

By continuing to focus on quality, authenticity, and sustainability, The Selects Gallery is poised to achieve its objectives.