Leombruno-Bodi is the name that identifies Joseph Leombruno and Jack Bodi, who were both American photographers active in Italy beginning in the mid 1950s. Partners in life as well as in work, Leombruno and Bodi began collaborating in the 1940s. In describing their partnership that lasted 43 years, the fashion journalist Bernadine Morris wrote in The New York Times that Leombruno and Bodi were among the first Americans to photograph Parisian haute couture at the end of WWII.
Fashion photography by Leombruno-Bodi in the 1950s
Leombruno and Bodi photographed Italian fashion from Irene Galitzine to Valentino. During the 1950s their photo features from Italy were brilliant, emphasizing the details of the garments and interpreting for the American public a Mediterrean sun filled atmosphere. They even adapted their life style to fit this image; their Roman apartment published in Vogue 1957 was presented to Americans as an ideal ‘Roman Holiday’ dwelling. This same apartment was used as a set for quite a few fashion features.
Leombruno and Bodi also dedicated themselves to advertising and interior photography, publishing their work with such magazines as Vogue, House & Garden, Glamour, Modern Bride, Town & Country and The New York Times. Among the Italian magazines they collaborated with Novita in 1962, the year in which the publication was acquired by Conde Nast. The two photographers continued to work for this American publisher even after Novita became Italian Vogue in 1966.
These stunning photos were part of their work that Leombruno and Bodi took fashion portraits of classic beauties in the 1950s.
Evelyn Tripp in red and black printed silk surah dress by Christian Dior, worn with big black milan straw hat, photo by Leombruno-Bodi, Ladies’ Home Journal, March 1954
Jean Patchett in navy silk taffeta basque dress with beautiful fullness and pique collar and cuffs by Jerry Parnis, photo by Leombruno-Bodi, Ladies’ Home Journal, April 1954
Marjorie Cato is sipping a mint-iced lemonade wearing chalk-bead earrings by Hattie Carnegie, photo by Leombruno-Bodi, Glamour, June 1954
Model in full-skirted shirtwaist dress in ombré cotton embroidered with pearls by Emilio Pucci, photo by Leombruno-Bodi, Ladies’ Home Journal, January 1954
Model in lemon-yellow tweed coat by Lo Balbo over a white raw-silk sheath by Branell, photo by Leombruno-Bodi, Ladies’ Home Journal, January 1954
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