Slim Aarons: Women: Slim Aarons’s portraits of high-society women at leisure around the world.

by Laura Hawk (Text), Slim Aarons (Photographs), Getty Images (Photographs)

Slim Aarons: Women explores the central subject of Slim Aarons’s career—the extraordinary women from the upper echelons of high society, the arts, fashion, and Hollywood. The book presents the women who most influenced Aarons’s life and work—and the other remarkable personalities he photographed along the way, including Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy, Diana Vreeland, and Marilyn Monroe, all featured in unforgettable photographs. The collection contains more than 200 images, the majority of which have not appeared in previous books, along with detailed captions written by one of Aarons’s closest colleagues. Showcasing beautiful women at their most glamorous in some of the most dazzling locations across the globe, Slim Aarons: Women is a fresh look at the acclaimed photographer through the muses who inspired his most incredible photographs.

Also available from Slim Aarons: Poolside with Slim Aarons, Slim Aarons: Once Upon a Time, Slim Aarons: A Place in the Sun, and Slim Aarons: La Dolce Vita.

Genres: Photography, Coffee Table Books, Art, Nonfiction, Biography, Fashion

240 pages, Hardcover

Published October 4, 2016

Reviews

[Elizabeth]

Guilty pleasure reading...

[Nicki Hinkle]

What a fun coffee table style book! The content is interesting, but at times pulls away from the beautiful photos, so I found myself skimming the writing and studying the photos instead.

I've always loved the 60's and 70's. This book reminded me of why I loved that time period. The decadence of the clothing, jewelry and surroundings seems unparalleled to this day.

I have seen many of these photos over the years in various publications or references, but to have them all gathered in one location was spectacular!

I borrowed this book from our library, but after seeing the rich history in the photos, I plan on purchasing this for my own coffee table!!! =)

[False]

Read this knowing I am not reviewing the book but rather leaving notes and asides to remind me of my readings year to year. A lifetime of prolific reading lost from childhood on was never stored, but today’s children can use the tools now available and be more vigorous in their list keeping.

I read this book when it came out then again, recently, and like most books about photographer Slim Aarons, it makes you long for that glossier, happier age and life in the fast lane: monied, luxury homes and resorts, swimming pools the size of Lake Michigan, designer clothing, tanned skin and gleaming teeth. America at its most prosperous. Now that world belongs to a much smaller band, and they lack the background and backbones of generational wealth, taste, culture, mores and ethics that go with it. Fighting with your spouse? Pas devant les domestiques.

All in all, a dream of a book of lives past. Held in amber.

[Julie]

"Slim Aarons: Women" is a visual delight and a true celebration of timeless elegance. Every page feels like stepping into a beautifully curated world where glamour, grace, and effortless style reign. I loved how Aarons captured not just the beauty of his subjects, but also their confidence, individuality, and spirit.

The book is filled with stunning portraits of women from all walks of life — all seen through Aarons' distinct, sophisticated lens. His work transports you to another era, yet the images still feel vibrant and alive today.

What I appreciated most was the way Aarons highlighted the strength and natural charisma of the women he photographed. There’s a sense of story behind every image, a glimpse into a lifestyle that is aspirational yet somehow approachable through his eyes.

[Readings n' Musings]

"I’m going to have fun photographing attractive people doing attractive things in attractive places, and maybe take some attractive photographs as well.”

"They had an ease of affection with each other, which I believe is apparent in this image. Their relationship demonstrated the way he built trust with some of his more venerated subjects. In many cases he photographed them repeatedly over time and made certain never to let a less-than-perfect photo leave his studio, lest a magazine art director decide to run the questionable image. Thus his track record for making beautiful people even more so was unimpeachable."

[C]

Great collection! The caption that went along with Kristie Karbstein Gerep from Brazil was fascinating. What a life that women had! I also found the photo (and caption) of Lilly Pulitzer and her depression and orange juice stand compelling. The photos of Marilyn Monroe and the caption about Slim telling her to relax and "think of the nicest thing that could happen to her--but with her eyes" was very cool. I love that she remembered this and thanked him for it later in her career. I think my favorite photo in this collection was of Tish Massie Widener, the artist in her studio.

[Devon Hamilton]

A gorgeous collection of attractive people in beautiful locations. A fabulous time capsule of “who’s who” of the rich, famous, and titled in the 1950-70s. Slim Aarons had a tremendous talent for finding and curating a fairytale of fashion, beauty, privilege and wealth. His photography is lush and interesting. These photos can be looked at again and again.

[Linda]

such gorgeous photos of a bygone era

After reading the novel, “The Beautiful People”, I was curious to see Slim Aaron’s photographs. “Slim Aarons: Women” was written by one of Slim’s assistants, which made it even more interesting. I would recommend both books if you want a look at a bygone era.

[dante☆]

"im just a guy with a brownie"

[Manny Villa]

66593

[Lib DM]

As usual - terrific content and high quality photographs.

[M]

66593

[Karl Moore]

My problem with flipping through Slim Aarons books, is that while his photos are amazing, they look better online than they do in print.

That being said, I've never actually purchased one because of this. Maybe someday, when the printing quality for mass market hardcover books, improves, it will be delightful, but until that day comes, I'd suggest just looking at his work online.

[John]

retro beautiful rich & famous

[Margot Note]

I'm both fascinated and repelled by WASP/elite culture. Reading this book is getting a peek into an unknown world.

[Karen]

#BestCoffeeTableBooks #BestGiftableCoffeeTableBooks

Photos of socialite ladies sitting by the pool in Palm Springs and sunbathing on Greek islands abound in the latest Slim Aarons compilation, Women, written by Aarons’s former assistant Laura Hawk.