Helmut Newton: Photographs for Playboy

I often get high-fives from my male friends when I post content such as the above and a few eyebrow raises from my family. I truly think the female figure can be an alluring art form and Helmut Newton makes my case. Although some of his photography can be particularly explicit and warrant the said eyebrow raises, I love studying the the many ways he captures the predominately unclothed female form. The above photograph is one of many that is open for bidding this morning via Christie's Auction House (online auction only). Titled 'Playboy', the photograph was taken in Los Angeles in 1986 and part of a series of pictorials Helmut Newton took for Playboy. It is estimated this lot item will sell for between $15,000 and $25,000. See the entire collection here. Disclaimer: You might want to view from your "home" computer...

Next Week

Looking forward to next week's The Edit piece with Carolyn Murphy, courtesy of Net-A-Porter. This photograph took my breath away and Carolyn is always a vision. I always love seeing the natural landscape as a background in portrait photography.

Veronica Beard

Lonny Magazine, one of my favorite publications, gives us a snapshot into the lives of sisters-in-law Veronica Miele Beard and Veronica Swanson Beard. In the fall of 2010, the bold duo launched their fashion brand Veronica Beard and from that point in time, everything's coming up roses. (They just presented their Spring '15 collection at NYFW and continually receive press and praise from industry leaders). Their collection is designed with themselves in mind, the fierce female consumer who juggles children, the workplace, a partner, the home and then some. Watch this video for a glance into their lives and their creation that is Veronica Beard.

Jakobs of Gotland

I think I've met my match. My trip back east allowed me to relish in many simple pleasures I missed. As I return to my routine, I find myself day dreaming of another escape. This restored farm house on the Swedish island of Gotland is nestled among 2 acres of green gardens, a bike ride away from the sea and thoughtfully dusted with beautiful interior pieces in true Scandinavian style.  Known as Jakobs of Gotland, this property is available for rent by the long weekend in winter, or week in summer.

Naturally, my stay at Jakobs has already been sorted out in my head. I have visions of reading on the terrace in a white chemise, only glancing away to watch the branches on the trees sway in the morning breeze. In the late afternoon, I'll bike ride to the sea for a long swim before supper, returning to visit the sauna in the barn. Then, I'll retreat to the garden to pick herbs, flowers and produce for supper outside and dine with acquaintances I've met in the nearby town of Visby. When the laughter and dim candlelight subsides, I'll retreat indoors for a glass of scotch or port, my eyes fixated on the glow of a hearty fire...It seems every day at Jakobs is a verse out of a pastoral poem.

Learn more about Jakobs of Gotland here and be sure to see Net-A-Porter's feature as well! Owners Anna and Andi are lovely as ever and available via email to address your inquires.

(Photography credit: Ken Kochey and Katarina Grip-Höök’)