We received this great video from Peter Fetterman about Lillian Bassman.
“I am completely tied up with softness, fragility, and the problems of a feminine world.” – Lillian Bassman (1917-2012)
Great fashion photographs, when truly successful, go beyond simply showcasing a model in designer clothing—they evoke a mood, tell a story, and create an emotional connection. Lillian was one of the greats, capturing a distinctly female perspective that set her apart in a challenging, often male-dominated industry. Her ability to infuse her work with narrative and atmosphere kept her in constant demand.
What made Lillian exceptional was her ability to elicit empathy and intimacy from her models—something many of her male contemporaries struggled to achieve. Her “heroines” feel undeniably real, their presence both powerful and relatable.
This mastery of storytelling extended to her settings. The Flèche d’Or, a luxury boat train that linked London to Paris via Dover and Calais, became more than just a mode of transport—it served as a striking backdrop in a 1957 Funny Face photo shoot. The film, starring Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire, subtly paid tribute to Lillian’s world, with Astaire’s character inspired by her close friend, Richard Avedon.
In Lillian’s images, her model is, quite literally and figuratively, on a journey—one we, as viewers, are invited to take with her. Through Lillian’s technical brilliance and narrative depth, her fashion photography transcends the frame, unfolding like a novella.
Peter Fetterman
Further Work:
https://www.peterfetterman.com/artists/449-lillian-bassman/works/
Peter Fetterman Gallery
2525 Michigan Ave, #A1
Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 453-6463
www.peterfetterman.com
