Where is Willy? At Paul Smith’s store!

This month Paul Smith's Mayfair store pays homage to world-renowned photographer - and sometime furniture designer - Willy Rizzo, as part of a touring exhibition showcasing some of his rarest work.

Having shot to fame in the Sixties taking photographs of Hollywood icons including Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot, Rizzo's unique charm and eye for beauty earned him a place among the fashion set. He soon became a regular photographer for the likes of Vogue and Paris Match, and the subjects of his portrait photography included fashion designers Coco Chanel, Christian Dior and Yves Saint Laurent.

Taking a break to create striking pieces of furniture in the early Seventies, Rizzo later returned to his first love, photography, in 1978. "I never intended to become a businessman. I missed my bohemian lifestyle as a photographer so I sold the [furniture] factory," he said. Until now, all of the remaining, highly collectible pieces have been in storage but, from November 14 to 24, selected works - including those from Rizzo's own personal collection - can once again be seen alongside his insightful portrait photography in Smith's Albemarle Street curiosity shop. To celebrate, Rizzo - now in his Eighties - has picked up his tools once more and created a limited edition picture frame especially for the exhibition. Paul Smith, in association with Mallett New York, will present the exhibition of photographs and furniture by Willy Rizzo at Paul Smith, 9 Albemarle Street, London W1.