I was at the Metropolitan Museum of Art last month, viewing Lillian Bassman: Bazaar and Beyond. The show traced her career at Harper’s Bazaar from design apprentice to art director to photographer.
Thank you for reading, Regan! It’s a long piece given Ms. Bassman lived till 94 years old. I’m so glad you found it informative. And, welcome to Sundays with Stella!
Lots to digest here, Stella and I don't know where to start. Thank you so much for introducing us to Lillian's work. Wow, wow, wow... I can see the appeal. How incredibly ahead of her time! I'm astounded by the guts required to shoot in that way, to feature women at a time when attempting to be tasteful had to be difficult. I wonder how much hell the men at Harper's gave her. Maybe it's in an interview. And then, so surprised to see about your internship! Your studies seems very memorable... as an aside, Miyake's perfume was an obsession of mine after I picked up a small bottle in London once. You brought back memories. It was around that same time. Thank you for sharing this important figure in the world of art!
Hi Juliette, thank you for reading! It’s a long piece and rightly so. Lillian lived a long and creative life! There’s so much more I wanted to add: that she was married to Paul for 74 years. They were together since she was 15! Oh, and the truth bombs she said about Mr. Brodovitch on the transcripts were all there. Imagine if she was a man she would’ve gone further but that’s how it was in the 50s. I’m just so glad she was finally given the recognition for her amazing work and this time, true to her vision. Re: Miyake. He came to the studio for a visit along with his wife during my internship. The conversation was polite with admiration going both ways. I was behind the screen doing some cleaning/re-arranging. So cool about the Miyake perfume. Do you still have it?
The fact that she was able to do what she did during that time is a testament to her strength! How cool that you met Miyake!! No, I had a hard time finding it for a while so I gave up. I'm very sensitive to fragrances and that was the only one I could ever use!
Thank you for introducing me to Lillian Bassman. Fascinating!
Thank you, Shital!
Wonderful work.
Thank you!
Riveting story. Thanks!!!
Thank you, KewtieBird! I'm glad to hear that. It took quite a bit of research and writing to complete this essay.
Great biography, Stella. I will look for more of Lillian's work.
Thank you, Darin!
Thank you, Stella for this fantastic, informative essay. Love how you channeled her work into yours.
Thank you for reading, Regan! It’s a long piece given Ms. Bassman lived till 94 years old. I’m so glad you found it informative. And, welcome to Sundays with Stella!
Lots to digest here, Stella and I don't know where to start. Thank you so much for introducing us to Lillian's work. Wow, wow, wow... I can see the appeal. How incredibly ahead of her time! I'm astounded by the guts required to shoot in that way, to feature women at a time when attempting to be tasteful had to be difficult. I wonder how much hell the men at Harper's gave her. Maybe it's in an interview. And then, so surprised to see about your internship! Your studies seems very memorable... as an aside, Miyake's perfume was an obsession of mine after I picked up a small bottle in London once. You brought back memories. It was around that same time. Thank you for sharing this important figure in the world of art!
Hi Juliette, thank you for reading! It’s a long piece and rightly so. Lillian lived a long and creative life! There’s so much more I wanted to add: that she was married to Paul for 74 years. They were together since she was 15! Oh, and the truth bombs she said about Mr. Brodovitch on the transcripts were all there. Imagine if she was a man she would’ve gone further but that’s how it was in the 50s. I’m just so glad she was finally given the recognition for her amazing work and this time, true to her vision. Re: Miyake. He came to the studio for a visit along with his wife during my internship. The conversation was polite with admiration going both ways. I was behind the screen doing some cleaning/re-arranging. So cool about the Miyake perfume. Do you still have it?
The fact that she was able to do what she did during that time is a testament to her strength! How cool that you met Miyake!! No, I had a hard time finding it for a while so I gave up. I'm very sensitive to fragrances and that was the only one I could ever use!