Wilhelmina Defining Beauty

An inspiring celebration of the evolving definition of beauty, from the captivating muses of the Swinging Sixties to today’s unique, nontraditional beauties, as seen through the Wilhelmina modeling agency, a world-renowned arbiter of beauty and fashion. 

For fifty years, some of the most beautiful people in the world have passed through the doors of the Wilhelmina modeling agency. Through its storied trajectory, the agency has worked with the world’s best talent, from supermodels to presidents’ wives, rock stars to reality stars. 
 
Wilhelmina’s sharp eye for discovering new and truly unique talent prompted the careers of A-list celebrities and models, including Anjelica Huston, Beverly Johnson, Chris Brown, Gia Carangi, Isabella Rossellini, Jessica Simpson, Naomi Sims, Alex Lundqvist, Zoe Saldana, Demi Lovato, Iggy Azalea, Patti Hansen, and Whitney Houston.

This book is a celebration of the iconic imagery and dazzling individuals that have shaped the agency’s legacy for the last fifty years. The striking photographs by masters of fashion photography are accompanied by essays defining beauty and exclusive quotes by renowned tastemakers and authoritative figures on beauty—from literati to pop stars, fashion icons to musicians, and Hollywood royalty to digital-media superstars (e.g., Lauren Hutton, Karl Lagerfeld, Cyndi Lauper to Diana Vreeland and Sonia Rykiel). An unprecedented and inspiring conversation, this book is a must-have for lovers of beauty, style, and popular culture.

Eric Wilson is the fashion news director for InStyle and has been a reporter and fashion critic at the New York Times and a reporter and columnist for WWD and W magazine. Patti Hansen is an American model, actress, and founder of the fashion line Hung On U.

Cover Image: Photography Lisa Sciascia
Hair and makeup Lynee Ruiz, Ford Artists
Model Lauren Ellis Young
Retouching by Miguel Maza