Richard Avedon

From now through the end of November, the San Francisco MoMA is featuring nearly 60 years of photography from American photographer and legend Richard Avedon. Avedon, who studied photography under Alexey Brodovitch at the New School For Social Research, rejected stiff portraiture for motion and emotion in his photographs. While I have yet to make it to the exhibit, I'm excited to spend hours poring over Avedon's photos.

This image, "Dovima With Elephants," is perhaps his most famous fashion photo. Before his death, Avedon commented, "The sash isn't right . . . It should have echoed the outside leg of the elephant to Dovima's right." No matter how "imperfect" Avedon deemed this photo to be, it has captivated decades of fashionistas, photographers, and pachyderm lovers. Inspired, I decided to round up a few elephants as well. My first pick was the Eames elephant ($295), which seemed only proper — one icon deserves another! To see my parade of pachyderms, read more

Did you enjoy your Avedon for breakfast? Good, now it's on to Avedon for lunch. After seeing his new exhibit at SFMOMA, I picked up Richard Avedon: Photographs 1946-2004 ($45). It's the first major retrospective — designed by Danish graphic designer Michael Jensen — of Avedon's work since his death in 2004. The title explains it all, but you have to see the photos to feel the impact. Bring Avedon into your home and see 125 reproductions of his greatest work, including fashion and portraits from his early Italian subjects of the '40s to his more recent shots. One of my favorite modern Avedon portraits is the 2004 shot of Bjork, mesmerizing.

I have always been an Avedon fan, but after viewing his new exhibit at the SFMOMA "Richard Avedon: Photographs: 1946-2004," I look at the iconic photographer in a new light. A raw, intense, emotional spotlight.

New York-born Avedon was an integral part of fashion in the '60s — you probably recognize Twiggy's hair and Dovima with elephants. These were from his decades as the staff photographer at Harpers Bazaar. He then delved into the zeitgeist of the turbulent '60s, shooting portraits of players in the sexual and intellectual counterculture movements; the Beatles, Allen Ginsberg, Bob Dylan, Malcolm X, and Andy Warhol were all present in one room. One photo that had me mesmerized was a glimpse of Warhol's scar-ridden torso; it was provocative yet melancholy, further feeding into the artistic enigma that is Warhol.

Self-portraits of the late photographer were sprinkled throughout, showing his evolution from young gun to wise old soul.

One series in particular intrigued: "In the American West" (1980-85). While it was exciting to look into the eyes of famed writers, artists, political figures, and icons, it was the real people of our country — oil workers, a 13-year-old rattlesnake wrestler, drifters, carnies, waitresses — that evoked life, real humanity.

Avedon passed away in 2004 and this is the only US venue for this exhibition — the first major retrospective of his work since his death. If you happen to be in San Francisco July 11 to Nov. 29, be sure to eat some Avedon for breakfast, it is an utterly fulfilling, eye-opening experience. See some selections from the exhibit.

Alexander Wang doesn't have plans to buy ad pages but his look book is a tribute to Avedon's old Versace campaigns. 

Vena Cava's Sophie Buhai talked about her love of white chocolate and chicken curry in an interview with a food blog.

Fendi is hosting an event in Milan this week which involves supporting industrial designers and solidifying the notion of craftsmanship. 

Burberry reported growth in the past six months thanks, in part, to cost-cutting measures and retail expansion in new regions. 

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