Helburn was primarily active in the 1950s and 1960s and his fashion photography, as well as marketing work, was published in Harper’s Bazaar, Life, Esquire, Town & Country, just to name a few. His work was playful and as he himself put it, shocking.
As Helburn was signing his book (assembled in collaboration with Robert and Lois Allen Lilly), I took a look at the photographs on display. The one that caught my attention is from 1956 (below, left column). It has a bit of a magical feel to it - Dovima, an American model, is dressed in an exquisite Dior gown and seems to have just appeared in the city, under the track's of Chicago's L. A policeman in the background looks startled by her presence - the rolls of rich fabrics add to the mystery!
Helburn, who is in his 90s, has definitely made a mark on the fashion industry. Interested in his work? You can purchase the book here.