Avedon's Muse

Dovima

"She was the last of the great elegant, aristocratic beauties...the most remarkable and unconventional beauty of her time." ~Avedon

 

In their most famous piece together "Dovima with Elephants." (Paris, 1955)  Here, Dovima is wearing the first Christian Dior gown designed by his then, new assistant Yves Saint-Laurent.  Timeless.

Dovima has said of her relationship with Avedon that they were so connected on an artistic level that she would know exactly what look/pose he wanted before he'd even ask.

Ms. Dovima in Balenciaga.

Richard Avedon truly changed fashion photography and portraiture forever.  He encouraged models to be expressive and create emotions, rather than maintain traditional static poses, bringing the clothes to life. He knew how to capture the true essence of his subjects.

Dovima had a supporting role as Marion in Funny Face with Fred Astaire and Audrey Hepburn (another Avedon muse) which was loosely based on Avedon's early career.

Classic Elegance.

{photo sources:   The Richard Avedon Foundation, My Vintage Vogue}

Tweet