Book excerpt: Richard Avedon’s most indelible images of Dior fashions and portraits from the 1940s through the ’70s, including many never-before-published photographs. Richard Avedon’s iconic fashion work not only changed fashion photography but also changed the way the world looks at fashion. One of his most prolific collaborations was with the house of Dior, which can be traced back to 1947, just after the haute couture house had taken the Paris fashion world by storm.This lavish volume includes 150 iconic and many never-before-published photographs by Avedon, featuring glamorous models and celebrities, including Marlene Dietrich, Suzy Parker, Sunny Hartnett, Dovima, Carmen Dell’Orefice, Dorian Leigh, Capucine, Lauren Hutton, Anjelica Huston, and Barbra Streisand. Avedon’s images document Dior’s fashion, as well as fashion history from the 1940s through the ’70s. With an eye for moments of grace, drama, and humor, as well as a mastery of light and contrast, Avedon captures the essence of Dior’s elegant designs, the style and personality of the iconic women who wore them, and incredible moments in photography that will intrigue photography, art, and fashion lovers alike.