The Book of Olga, Taschen. Femme fatale Olga Rodionova is a well-known beauty who moves in Moscow's fashion and jet set circles. When her adoring husband, a powerful Russian oligarch, sought to have special portraits made of his wife, he asked none other than Bettina Rheims—an unusual request for a photographer of Rheims's stature. Rheims was captivated by Olga's unique aura and felt excited by the challenge of finding aesthetic ways of doing the portraits so that they didn't feel like run of the mill pornography. The first shoot took place in Rheims's country home and Olga's husband was so pleased with the images that he suggested they produce a book with Olga as the star. A second shoot followed, in black and white with a sado-masochistic décor and other men and women playing slightly perverse sex games with Olga. A third Marie Antoinette inspired shoot took place entirely in the studio. Rheims succeeded in finding a variety of ways to depict one subject with a continuous freshness and intrigue; The Book of Olga represents the most delectable fruits of her success. With over one hundred images, as well as an introduction by sexy French author Catherine Millet, this unique book is both a love song and an artistic statement. On sale now, and worth it.—N.B.
