Last night, Playboy partnered with International Images to showcase the consummate tribute to its rich history. To launch the Playboy Legacy Collection in Europe, an exclusive, invitation-only event was held in Cannes, attended by celebrities including Pamela Anderson, James Blunt and Kid Rock. Celebrating the Collection's inclusion of Pamela Anderson -- Playboy Playmate Miss October 1989, actress, sex symbol, glamour model, producer, TV personality, and author -- images of her, shot by world-renowned photographer David LaChapelle who was ranked among the top-ten "Most Important People in Photography" by American Photo, were auctioned with proceeds going to her charity of choice, PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals).
"I feel honoured to have two images of me, shot by David LaChapelle, featured at Cannes in the Playboy Legacy Collection," said Pamela Anderson, who has appeared on the cover of Playboy magazine a record-setting 12 times. "I attended the US launch of the Collection a few months ago in LA, and I am proud to support Hef, with whom I share a passion for animal rights. With proceeds of the auction from my images going to PETA, the collaboration combines two of my loves -- Playboy and animals."
The two images are part of "The Adventures of Pam" series, a surrealistic romp through the blonde superstar's life, including "Tool Time Girl" and "Cover Girl," where Pam lies across her magazine covers - she has appeared on the cover of Playboy more than any other woman -- "blending in with the mosaic of her fame and glory," said International Images Archivist Rasika Reichardt.
The Playboy Legacy Collection is a compilation of 48 gallery-quality images presented in three limited editions, along with a book, CDs, and other Playboy collectibles that pay tribute to the hugely influential magazine founded by Hugh Hefner in 1953. For more than half a century, the pages of Playboy magazine have showcased some of the most compelling and iconic photography of our time.
"The Playboy Legacy Collection is such a unique and special project," said Hugh M. Hefner, Playboy Editor-in-Chief, and Chief Creative Officer. "The compilation offers the most outstanding images from among the 15 million archived and is a real tribute to the visual history and impact of the magazine."
The photographs that comprise the Playboy Legacy Collection were selected for their potential investment value and artistic appeal; they capture the full range of Playboy photography, from the "girl next door" image of the 1950s to the bolder, more provocative Playmates of later years.
"The Playboy Legacy Collection is an incredible cross-section of the history of Playboy, hitting all of the high points, as well as images people aren't so familiar with that have a real visual impact," stated Gary Cole, Playboy Photo Editor.
The photographers represented in the collection include some of the most acclaimed of Playboy's contributors, including David LaChapelle, Tom Kelley, Arny Freytag, Stephen Wayda, and Guido Argentini, as well as celebrity lens-men Spike Lee and John Derek. The subjects of the photos range from Marilyn Monroe to Bettie Page to Ursula Andress, and many other celebrated and glamorous women of the last several decades.
"By partnering with International Images, experts in publishing limited-edition images, Playboy was able to create the most exclusive photography collection that we have ever produced: the Playboy Legacy Collection," said Aaron Baker, Playboy Curator. "The collection is more than just photographs; it is the total Playboy experience."
