Elephants.

In the spirit of the new film, Water for Elephants, that I plan on seeing this evening, I'd like to share Richard Avedon's photograph, Dovima with Elephants, taken at the Cirque d'Hiver in Paris in 1955. Here, Dovima is dressed in a gorgeous black gown designed by Yves Saint-Laurent for Christian Dior. Dovima with Elephants is recognized for its pure elegance and raw beauty.

Photo: Richard Avedon

Reese Witherspoon, actress and star of Water For Elephants, is featured on the cover of this month's American Vogue. Within the article on Ms. Witherspoon is a similar rendition of Avedon's Dovima with Elephants. Here, Reese wears a beautiful red Sophie Theallet gown.

Photo: Peter Lindbergh