Step into the world of Slim Aarons, the iconic photographer of the rich & famous and the luxurious settings they inhabited.

Born in New York City in 1916, Aarons began his photographic career as a war correspondent during World War II, documenting the heroism and sacrifice of soldiers on the front lines. However, it was after the war, during the post-war boom of the 1950s and 60s, that Aarons found his true calling as a chronicler of the rich and famous.

Having witnessed the worst of the war, from the conflict at Monte Cassino to the horrors of the Nazi concentration camps, Slim turned his focus to photographing "attractive people who were doing attractive things in attractive places." This mantra was so ingrained that when Life Magazine asked him to photograph the Korean War, he replied, "I'll only do a beach if it has a blonde on it."

Aarons' photographs exuded a sense of effortless elegance, showcasing his subjects in their natural habitats – whether lounging by a pool in Palm Springs or hosting a soirée in the Hamptons. His ability to capture candid moments of leisure and luxury earned him the trust and admiration of his subjects, allowing him to document their lives with unparalleled authenticity.

What set Aarons apart from other photographers was his approach. He didn't seek to intrude or sensationalize; instead, he observed with respect and admiration. His easy going nature and genuine interest in his subjects endeared him to the socialites and celebrities he photographed, granting him unprecedented access to their inner circles.

While Slim never desired to be one of the subjects in his photos, his unprecedented view gave us a look into the lives of the one percent of a bygone era. Slim described himself as a simple farm boy, always running a tight schedule so he could return back to his New York farmhouse as soon as possible.

Slim passed in early 2006 but left a legacy that still influences culture, fashion, and those with a dream of the good life alike. He was survived by his wife Rita Arrons until her passing in 2023 and his daughter Mary who carries on his legacy today through various photography workshops.

All images courtesy of Getty Images. We would highly recommend checking out the full gallery here.

If you want to read more on the legendary photographer. You can check out some curated reading here, a great story about the famous Christmas Swim photo here, and cool story about a recreation of ‘Poolside Glamour’ (the first photo in this post) here.

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