Raquel Welch, Manhattan, NY, 1996. Raquel Welch—one of the greatest sex symbols in Hollywood. Even though this was later in her career, I wanted to capture that same sexiness in a more mature woman. This shoot took place in the Presidential suite of the Plaza Hotel before its renovation. She came out in this outfit and it was this Va-Va-Voom moment. She stepped out, confidence radiating. I framed her curves in the archway of the door. All the elements—the lighting, the depth of field, the location, her confidence—came together perfectly. We did another shot in the tub at the Plaza—stripped down but strong, owning her sensuality. It wasn’t just about her body—it was how she knew exactly who she was and how she wanted to be seen.
