“I took this photo of Anna Sui years ago in her office, surrounded by her amazing collection of dolls heads – which have inspired her immensely over the years. Anna’s creativity and uniqueness have made her an icon of fashion, and it was thrilling to photograph her with a meaningful collection that has had such an impact on her brand and design process.” -As told by Monica

*Photo by Monica Rich Kosann

Circe, c.1865, Juliet Margaret Cameron

The Brig, 1856, Gustave Le Gray

Dragonfly, 1930, Curtis Moffat

Isambard Kingdom Brunel and the Launching Chains of ‘The Great Eastern’, 1857 Robert Howlett

*Images courtesy of the Victoria & Albert Museum

“I took this photo in my first photography class, when I was a student at the Institute of Art in Salzburg, Austria. I was at an outdoor opera and saw this young girl in a dirndl dress sitting on an enormous table. I was intrigued by how intently she was watching, and felt compelled to photograph her. I think it was clear that portrait photography was always exciting to me. It is still, to this day, a photo I am very proud of.”  - As told by Monica

We love the stark black and white contrast in this iconic image of Jean Luc Godard’s muse, Anna Karina. Her white dress and shoes – not to mention her beauty – make it impossible to take your eyes off of her. Everyone else in the photograph seems to agree.

*Photo from The Impossible Cool

“This photo was taken on a cold, winter day in Switzerland with my vintage Leica. It feels very much like old world Europe. For me, it is reminiscent of the pictorialist movement, as it lacks sharp focus – which I love – and is much more about the mood and emotion of the photograph than the person in it.” -As told by Monica

In honor of the holidays approaching this week, we felt inspired to share this snowy photograph. We love the way the snow adds an element of mystery. It prevents the viewer from clearly making out what it is the background, which looks as though it may or may not include a person walking towards the camera…

The composition of this photograph is simple but purposeful. We love the way that the blurry ball in the forefront adds incredible depth to the photo, while also putting the viewer right into the action. It almost feels as if we should be getting ready to catch.

As the inevitable remakes of Bonnie & Clyde begin to pop up on the stage and screen, this iconic image of Faye Dunaway will always feel fresh. Her style and beauty transcended the screen – even as a bank-robbing gangster.

*Photo from The Impossible Cool

It is hard to believe that the girl is this photograph is no more than five years old; she commands the space with grace and confidence. Though the photo is simple in nature, the small details – such as the faded wallpaper, the mysterious look in her eyes, and the shadow of her hands on the glossy table – give it a bit more depth, making this a surprisingly powerful image.

This photograph, of a mother and daughter on the beach is, in our minds, one of Monica’s most powerful mother/daughter image. The warmth and ease between this mother and her little girl is captured so beautifully, and complimented by the soft graininess of the print.