Wolford tights by Helmut Newton In the '80s the photographer Helmut Newton (famous for his slightly pervy nude portraits) began a long collaboration with Wolford. What followed made fashion history. No one ever expected hosiery to become quite so cutting-edge and, following Newton's campaigns, so lusted after as a crucial must-have item. Many of his controversial yet stylish images happen to be of stockings and of course opaque tights, Wolford's runaway success, which complemented the short skirts of the power suit decade. All are considered as influential and trend-setting as many images featuring, shall we say, a bit more clotheing and are constantly being referenced. In fact the photographs allowed German-born Helmut to focus on what he loved best: beautiful tall women, mostly blonde and athletic preferably with the longest legs on the planet. His campaigns were often shot with a wide-angle lens making the models look even more goddess-like. His play on light and dark shadows and stark architectural locations, usually the South of France, cemented his style. Legendary American fashion editor, Polly Mellon, made sure the photographer remained in touch with ultra-modern styling and hair and make-up of the day.