Lillian Bassman : lingerie

Through the 1950s and the early 1960s, working with that era's supermodels, fashion photographer Lillian Bassman created the quintessential modern feminine image of women in their lingerie. As Ginia Bellafante put it in the __New York Times__ recently, "In place of heavyset women constraining themselves in what was essentially equipment, Ms. Bassman deployed immeasurably lithe models, conveying a world in which women seemed to linger in the pleasures of their own sensuality." Fifty years later, these images have lost none of their allure, and the enormous cultural impact of the TV show __Mad Men__ has given them new currency. Stunning images of women in intimate apparel from the artist heralded as “among the most important fashion photographers of the twentieth century” ( The New York Times ). Through the 1950s and the early 1960s, working with that era’s supermodels, fashion photographer Lillian Bassman created the quintessential modern feminine image of women in their lingerie. As Ginia Bellafante put it in the New York Times recently, “In place of heavyset women constraining themselves in what was essentially equipment, Ms. Bassman deployed immeasurably lithe models, conveying a world in which women seemed to linger in the pleasures of their own sensuality.” Fifty years later, these images have lost none of their allure, and the enormous cultural impact of the TV show Mad Men has given them new currency. “For more than half a century, Lillian Bassman’s lingerie-themed photographs have seduced the viewer, with their stark contrast, stunningly graceful figure lines, and vivid texture.” — Vanity Fair

Through the 1950s and the early 1960s, working with that era’s supermodels, fashion photographer Lillian Bassman created the quintessential modern feminine image of women in their lingerie. As Ginia Bellafante put it in the New York Times recently, “In place of heavyset women constraining themselves in what was essentially equipment, Ms. Bassman deployed immeasurably lithe models, conveying a world in which women seemed to linger in the pleasures of their own sensuality.” Fifty years later, these images have lost none of their allure, and the enormous cultural impact of the TV show Mad Men has given them new currency.

Through the 1950s and the early 1960s, fashion photographer Lillian Bassman worked with fashion magazines to create a potent vision of women's lingerie: brassieres and bodices; corsets and girgles; camisoles and chemises; nightgowns and pajamas. This book provides a collection of sensual images from Lillian Bassman