Slim Aarons: Once Upon A Time by Slim Aarons
“Slim Aarons: Once Upon A Time” by Slim Aarons is an exquisite work of glowing nostalgia that takes readers on a journey through the luxe lifestyle of 1950s, 60s, and 70s. Composed of 128 full-color vintage photographs taken by the famously well-traveled Aarons, this book homage to the remarkable life of the aristocrat and is an invaluable look into an era of glamorous past times.
The photographer, known for his intimate portraits of the privileged and powerful, had an unquenchable passion for art and sought new ways to capture the world that he encountered throughout his international career. From the intricate architecture of European palaces to the lush landscapes of the Hawaiian Islands, Slim Aarons’ ability to transform the mundane into the mesmerizing is reflected in his stunning work. Documenting the lifestyles of the jet-setting elite, his subjects and settings speak to a time of leisure, luxury, and decadence.
In “Slim Aarons: Once Upon A Time”, readers will find photographs of glamorous women in richly hued gowns, well-heeled men smoking cigars outside the clubhouse, and sparkling reflections on the shimmering sun-soaked shores of Jamaica. From mysterious masked figures lounging on velvet chairs in Venice, to a variety of stunning celebrities like actor Groucho Marx or US Ambassador to Spain Angier Biddle Duke, Aarons captures the vivacious spirit of the jet-setting crowd.
No matter where Aarons took his lens, he was perpetually attuned to the larger than life luxury lifestyle of the prominent personalities he encountered. At each destination, he took pleasure in the captivating Art Deco patterns, the Mediterranean tones of post-war Italy, or the variety of lively cultures that plied the Mediterranean Sea.
Yet despite his shrewd eye for extravagance, Aarons also recognized the importance of celebrating the small moments of life. Whether it was a group of local children playing in a sun filled mountain valley, or newlyweds preparing to receive welcome gifts on their wedding night, Aarons’ photographs of these delightful scenes gave a vivid insight into the daily joys of life as it once was.
In-between the lavish pool parties, visits to Hollywood premieres, and evenings spent with iconic figures, Aarons also managed to capture the intimate nuances of the places he visited. Through his camera lens, Aarons uncovered the microscopic beauty of nature, the infinite grandeur of landscapes, and the spectacular detail of architecture.
In the final assessment, “Slim Aarons: Once Upon A Time” is a timeless work that offers readers a unique window into the vibrant luxury lifestyle of the prominent era it recalls. It serves to remind us that beauty can be found in even the most mundane of moments, and these moments are worth cherishing forever. Whether you’re an avid fan of photography or a budding enthusiast of vintage culture, this book is an invaluable tribute to the remarkable rise of one of the greatest photographers of all time.
