Veruschka, the Russian born supermodel of the 6o’s, has teamed with author David Wills to write a book about her life and career. Veruschka, born Vera von Lehndorff, was born into a wealthy family in 1939. Her father was a German count and her mother a countess.
However, since the age of five, Veruschka’s life has been traumatic. Her father, "was executed for attempting to assassinate Adolf Hitler," was homeless after World War II and suffered from serious depression in 1974, according to Wikipedia.
Veruschka studied art in Hamburg and then, at the age of 20, was discovered by photographer Ugo Mulas. She then moved to New York to join the Ford Modeling Agency. Veruschka has worked with Salvador Dali, photographer Peter Beard and had a brief, but sexy appearance in the 1966 cult film Blowup.
"In 1985, she entered the art world, putting on a body-painting show in Tribeca; her naked body, she was painted with different outfits transforming her into wild animals and several archetypes, such as film stars, dandies, gangsters, and dirty old men," according to Wikipedia.
‘Veruschka’ the book was published by Assouline, for its The Ultimate Collection series, and will be released in a limited edition in September. With such a remarkable life on which to write about and substantial collection of gorgeous images ‘Veruschka’ will be a coffee table book for all interested in fashion, history and photography.
The images shown are a selection of Veruschka photographs I found on the web; most from Style.com.
Iconic Supermodel Biographies
'Veruschka' the Book
Trend Themes
1. Autobiographical Coffee Table Books - With the rise of celebrity memoirs, there is a trend for autobiographical coffee table books that provide insight into the lives of notable figures.
2. Limited Editions for Nostalgia - Limited editions of iconic models' biographies create a sense of nostalgia and exclusivity among fashionable consumers.
3. Fine Art Meets Fashion Photography - The popularity of body art and painting shows featuring models and works of famous photographers together is a trend that offers innovative opportunities to blend fine art with fashion photography.
Industry Implications
1. Publishing - The book publishing industry can target a nostalgic and affluent audience with the creation of exclusive autobiographical coffee table books by notable models.
2. Photography - Photographers can innovate by blending fine art with fashion photography, thus creating works that can be included in limited edition publications.
3. Fashion - Fashion brands can collaborate with iconic models to publish biographies highlighting their contributions to the industry, hence creating an emotional connection with consumers.