Born in Russia, George Hoyningen-Huene (1900-1968) was a famous photographer especially during the 1920s and 1930s. He began as a fashion draftman for magazines like Harper’s Bazaar and Faichild’s Magazine. From 1925 to 1935, he was the chief photographer of French Vogue. Then, from 1935, he produced photoshoots for Harper’s Bazaar. In the 1940’s, he published two books (Hellas and Egypt) and began to photograph movie stars like Ava Gardner, Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant and Gary Cooper.

He is especially known for his iconic photo “The bathers” (1930). His photos are of rare beauty : magnificent light, effects of light and shade, graceful poses… Inspired by Ancient Greece, George Hoyningen-Huene used sculptures, columns in some of his photos. Besides, he shot beautifully Vionnet and Schiaparelli gowns worn by models.

Model Bettina Jones wearing a Schiaparelli Pinafore evening dress of cir� satin with a bow on the side and a low V-neckline which extends to the waist in the back; Model stands between columns with gilt-like finish and low table with vase of flowers behind

Model wearing pale crepe romain pajamas by Vionnet holding long flowing scarf, in Grecian-style pose, 1931

Model Bettina Jones wearing a Schiaparelli Pinafore evening dress of cir� satin with a bow on the side and a low V-neckline which extends to the waist in the back; Model stands between columns with gilt-like finish and low table with vase of flowers behind

The fifties shot by George Hoyningen-Huene :

ca. 1929 — Folies-Bergere dancer, Georgia Graves, wearing thigh-length chiton dance dress, leaning backward, her left arm also extended backward over her head, her right arm extended forward, holding a translucent ball — Image by © CondÈ Nast Archive/CORBIS

Duplicate: Actor Gary Cooper in white outfit sitting against wooden building

ca. 1932 — French film director, Rene Clair, sitting with a hand on his chin, with a camera in the background — Image by © Condé Nast Archive/CORBIS

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