Ellen von Unwerth: Fräulein

by Ellen Von Unwerth (Photographer), Ingrid Sischy

Fashion and fetish in a female fantasyland

Ellen von Unwerth was a supermodel before the term was invented, so she knows a thing or two about photographing beautiful women. Now one of the world’s most original and successful fashion photographers, she pays homage to the world’s most delectable females in Fräulein. This celebration of our era’s sexiest female icons includes Claudia Schiffer, Kate Moss, Vanessa Paradis, Britney Spears, Eva Mendes, Lindsay Lohan, Dita von Teese, Adriana Lima, Carla Bruni, Eva Green, Christina Aguilera, Monica Bellucci and dozens more.

Switching effortlessly between color and immaculate black and white, von Unwerth’s photography revels in sexual intrigue, femininity, romance, fetishism, kitsch humor, decadence and sheer joie de vivre. Whether nude or in lingerie and a dazzling smile, her subjects are never objectified. Some flaunt personal fantasies; others are guarded, suggesting that we have stumbled into a secret world. Fashion and fantasy were never so enchantingly combined.

Genres: Photography, Art, Erotica, Art and Photography

504 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2009

Reviews

[H · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know what it is, but I can never warm up to Ellen Von Unwerth. I'm supposed to like her spontaneity, the high-fashion aspect, the model legends (Naomi, Christy, Claudia) she always uses - but it never comes together for me. She just seems like a poor Helmut Newton knock off.

[Leonard · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a collection of hundreds of color and black and white, posed, unposed, or outrageously posed images of "rebels, misfits, bohemians," as the jacket calls them. I was reminded of the work of Diane Arbus. Although there were a few celebrities included, I got the feeling that most of the people pictured here would not be found among the wealthy, or on the main streets, but in the company of marginalized people on the back alleys of cities. Nice work, but not for everybody.

[Christopherseelie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ellen von Unwerth's imagination is rich in reference and whimsy. Her erotic photographs display a cunning of execution and reveal her ability to self-reflect on the secrets of desire. This book offers a world of liberation, play, fantasy, and psychological depth. Okay, maybe 15% of the photos are predictable high-fashion and celebrity culture, but the rest of them keep you on your toes.

[Joe R · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best photographers of beautiful, strong women

[Aditya Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!