Transforming the Stephan Weiss Studio into a runway, longtime Victoria’s Secret photographer Russell James celebrated the launch of his latest book and exhibition, Angels. The tome captures runway veterans such as Gisele Bündchen, flourishing faces like Kendall Jenner, as well as Rihanna—posing nude. “The photographs are very honest and they show women in their best light. They aren’t vulgar, they are sexy but sensual, and that is what I love,” said longtime Victoria’s Secret supermodel Karolina Kurkova. “People like to work with him because he makes them feel comfortable and he s artistic. It is timeless, and something you’d like framed in your house.”
Model Lily Aldridge, who was photographed with fellow AngelCandice Swanepoel, spoke fondly about the experience shooting with James. “It was amazing. I shoot with him so often for Victoria’s Secret that he is like a family member to me. I love him and trust him fully,” said Aldridge in a black Donna Karan gown. “Shooting something like this felt very comfortable and easy. We had fun with it because it wasn’t for something specific—it was just a fun shoot to do. I didn’t even think it was going to be a book, but it naturally just became one.”
As partygoers enjoyed champagne, guests including Donna Karan, Hugh Jackman, Ben Stiller, and Richard Branson joined the festivities. Throughout the night, more of James’s subjects arrived to honor his work, including Kendall Jenner and Adriana Lima—proving that if there s one man who s come close to discovering the “secret” behind Victoria’s Secret, it is, in fact, James.