Red umbrella

The perfect way to brighten up a rainy day is to walk with a red umbrella. To stay above the rain, wear your highest high heels - it's genius I'm telling you.

Ellen von Unwerth - Photographer extraordinaire

"Ellen von Unwerth brings an energetic femininity to fashion photography - call it girl power. The models in her pictures have real identities, and the photos often convey a sexuality without reducing the subjects to sex objects." - American Photo

Ellen von Unwerth has got to be one of my favourite photographers. Her subjects (usually women) always look beautiful and there's a sort of comfort and strength that perhaps a male photographer might not be able to capture (except Helmet Newton of course). Even when in compromising or vulnerable situations, the model's beauty and sexuality is enhanced not exploited. Maybe this is because Ellen herself was a model, there is that shared understanding. Whatever it is it's brilliant.

Photos: Sarah Jessica Parker - HBO publicity photo for Sex and the City, Dita Von Teese for The Face UK - November 2003, Susan Eldridge for Vogue Italia - 2004, Reese Witherspoon for Interview - December 2006