'Angels' By Russell James Is 304 Pages Of Nude Artistry & Sensuality

Erin Heatherton in ‘Angels’ by Russell James

Note from Anne: I am deeply saddened by the current situation at Victoria’s Secret. I have a long history of criticizing the brand, where I ended my ties in 1998 as its fashion director and chief visionary from the viewpoint of women and our customers. Of course, Les Wexner — for whom I’ve always had tremendous respect — was the top visionary.

Even though Les hired me personally and held me in very high regard, it was obvious that something was happening to him and the influence of both Ed Razek and Jeffrey Epstein over him. I was opposed to the Angels, although I am not at all opposed to models. There’s a long history from me of criticizing and warning Victoria’s Secret that they were increasingly off-track with American women. It saddens me deeply to see such a fantastic brand turned from a girls club — by women for women except for our leader — to a boys club.

In the archives at the end of this article, there’s a lot history of VS ad campaigns and my growing critiques. As for Russell James, he has always been one of my favorite photographers of sensual women. Russell was VERY involved with VS models, and I NEVER heard a word of scandal about him. VS models loved Russell, and so did I.

Of course, many new revelations have come forth about Victoria’s Secret since I left the business. I only recall meeting Jeffrey Epstein once — flying with Les back to New York on a Friday night. Anything else is a blur. I would imagine that my devotion to female empowerment and strong feminist credentials didn’t earn me any brownie points with Epstein. As I note in my Wednesday post, I was confused to find myself so at odds with Les over the Angels. I always attributed the divide to Ed Razek, but of course I came to understand that Epstein was also part of the equation. ~ Anne

Previously: I’ve appreciated the sensual photography of Victoria’s Secret photographer Russell James for years, as a 10-year-veteran of the Victoria’s Secret business, as its first fashion director and director of product development. My ties to the business ended in 1998.

and am so delighted that the man artist who truly understands female sensuality is launching a 304 page book — his fifth — of black and white nude photographs. What a perfect gift for the holidays, one that women will surely appreciate as much as men.

The stunning art book captures runway veterans such as Gisele Bündchen, fresh faces like Kendall Jenner, as well as Rihanna, and Victoria’s Secret stars including Alessandra Ambrosio, Doutzen Kroes, Karlie Kloss, Candice Swanepoel, Behati Prinsloo, Lily Aldridge, Adriana Lima —all of them posing nude.

I hope people see images that are sensual, empowering to women and that show my love for light, shape and form.

“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 model Karolina Kurkova at the September 11 launch party at Russell’s good friend Donna Karan’s Stephen Weiss gallery . “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.”

Behati Prinsloo for ‘Angels’ by Russell JamesSpeaking about ‘Angels’, James said: “My previous 4 books have been subject focused and this book is entirely focused on ’the nude’. I was incredibly humbled and excited when the people I asked agreed, as it indicated a level of trust that I greatly value. I took it to mean that the woman in the book felt the shots were something that other woman might admire, and that is my goal always.”

Doutzen Kroes in ‘Angels’ by Russell JamesModel Lily Aldridge, who was photographed with fellow Angel Candice 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 at Thhursday’s launch party. “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.”

Candice Swanepoel and Lily Aldridge in ‘Angels’ bu Russell James

“On a nude shoot my first goal is to do as much as possible make my subject feel comfortable and not vulnerable, ” explains James. “My overall goal is to create an image that the subject herself will love and not feel vulgarized or exploited–I want the woman in the image to be proud of the image and to pull it out ten years from now and say ‘I am so glad I have this image’.

Women are inarguably the most compelling, complex, and wonderful beings in the universe who will not be defined by any one-dimensional view - especially mine.

Alessandra Ambrosio for ‘Angels’ by Russell JamesRussell James revealed this week that only his creative director of 15 years Ali Franco is allowed to ‘challenge his edits’. She is the only person I trust to review film as if she was me. We work closely together and she has helped me arrive at the right images many times.

The sensual images that make up ‘Angels’ will be showcased in a Florida Gallery in November.

Prices for ‘Angels’ range from $199 for a standard copy, $299 for an autographed copy where James will personally sign your special order book to $399 for a personalize copy where your copy will be inscribed to the person of your choice with a personalized greeting from James.

Adriana Lima for ‘Angels’ by Russell JamesLily Aldridge for ‘Angels’ by Russell JamesMartha Hunt for ‘Angels’ by Russell JamesBehati Prinsloo in ‘Angels’ by Russell JamesAdriana Lima in ‘Angels’ by Russell JamesKarlie Kloss in ‘Angels’ by Russell JamesBehati Prinsloo in ‘Angels’ by Rusell JamesDoutzen Kroes in ‘Angels’ by Russell JamesAdriana Lima in ‘Angels’ by Russell Lima