Erin Heatherton in ‘Angels’ by Russell James

I’ve appreciated the sensual photography of Victoria’s Secret photographer Russell James for years 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 Closs, 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.”