Avedon Fashion

March 20, 2012

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I first locked eyes on the Avedon Fashion 1944-2000 book earlier this year because it featured my favorite Avedon photo of all time, Jean Shrimpton from the cover of the April 1965 issue of Bazaar. But beyond that, I couldn’t put this book down. Avedon is considered one of the top fashion photographers of all time but I was curious to know more about the stories behind his most iconic images and how he got his start. I learned that Avedon was a merchant marine in World War II, where he was assigned with taking identity photographs of fellow sailors. This book does a meticulous job of showcasing some of his more rare, early work from the 1940s mixed in alongside his most famous photos and ad campaigns.

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Avedon was at Harper’s Bazaar (1944 – 1965), then Vogue (1966 – 1990) and finally, at The New Yorker (1992 – 2004) and this book covers all those stints as well as work he produced for other clients including some of his most memorable Versace campaigns, which he shot for two decades. At over 350 pages long, I had a hard time choosing just a handful of images to share. If you get the chance, check this book out, winking holographic eye cover and all.

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7 Responses to Avedon Fashion

1. Melissa Dominic says:

   I love the third photo! What a neat little book, with the winking and all…

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2. Hillery says:

   Simply stunning. I am adding it to my book list and going to see if my local library has a copy I can borrow!

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   • Nubby says:

     Hillery: I wish I could have posted more of his work – I’m sure you’ll love the book. Avedon had a way of capturing not only fashion but the culture around it that is so rare. I love how his energy really came through in each photo and that he was still out there, taking assignments until the end of his life.

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3. ash says:

   the patterns in the last three photos are perfect & i might buy the book just to stare at the cover.

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   • Nubby says:

     ash: I clicked into your blog and the first thing I saw were awesome images of Solange. Loving her blog and fresh style these days! And yes, the winking cover makes this Avedon title the ideal coffee table book.

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4. ronitphoto says:

   Hi Nubby! I’ve been reading your blog for a long time – this post on Avedon finally got me to comment. I have this book and it’s so incredibly inspiring. Fun to see which images caught your eye! Have you seen Richard Avedon Darkness and Light? It’s a fascinating look at Avedon’s work and career – I think you’d like it!

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   • Nubby says:

     ronitphoto: I haven’t seen this one, thanks for the recommendation! Will definitely add it to my list of books to check out. I admire Avedon and his work so much.

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