Impressive Fashion Photography by Nat Farbman in the Early 1950s

Nat Farbman (1907–1988) was born in Warsaw, Poland, then migrated to United States in 1911. He was a photographer for Life magazine from 1946–1961.

At the University of Santa Clara, Farbman enrolled in electrical engineering. He became a photojournalist, commercial and fashion photographer. He married Patsy (Pat) English, a model who became a photographer, in 1938. She had learned photography from Ansel Adams whom she met in 1936, modeling for him on commercial jobs.

These impressive photos are part of his work that Nat Farbman took fashion portraits of classic models in 1952.

Bettina Graziani, Gigi Terwalgne and Ivy Nicholson all wearing Givenchy, photo by Nat Farbman, February 1952

Bettina Graziani does double duty setting up seats for Givenchy's runway show that she will also be modeling in, photo by Nat Farbman, February 1952

Bettina Graziani in coat and "lantern" scarf by Givenchy, photo by Nat Farbman, Paris, February 1952

Bettina Graziani in Givenchy's cotton blouse with black embroidered ruffles called "Blanchisseuse" (washerwoman) tucked into a slim gabardine skirt, photo by Nat Farbman, February 1952

Bettina Graziani in Givenchy's smock-style off-shoulder dress, photo by Nat Farbman, Paris, February 1952

Bettina Graziani in wool skirt, white blouse and matching coat by Givenchy, worn with his 'lantern' headscarf, photo by Nat Farbman, Paris, 1952

Bettina Graziani is wearing headscarf covered with paillettes by Givenchy, photo by Nat Farbman, February 1952

Bettina Graziani modeling Givenchy's skirt and blouse from his debut Spring Collection, February 1952

Bettina Graziani models Givenchy's shantung dress with short tweed jacket at his press show. As his partner and public relations manager, she was largely responsible for the success of his debut showing, photo by Nat Farbman, February 1952

Bettina Graziani reporting on Givenchy for Life magazine, photo by Nat Farbman, 1952

Bettina Graziani sits among dummies that will showcase the clothes for private customers instead of live models, thereby saving money, photo by Nat Farbman, February 1952

Bettina Graziani taking a well-deserved rest in her Paris apartment with her two Siamese cats, photo by Nat Farbman, February 1952

Bettina Graziani with the Arc de Triomphe in the background, photo by Nat Farbman, February 1952

Gigi Terwalgne is wearing sleeveless blouse with skirt and sash made of tiny accordian pleats by Givenchy, photo by Nat Farbman, February 1952

Gigi Terwalgne is wearing sleeveless blouse with skirt and sash made of tiny accordian pleats by Givenchy, photo by Nat Farbman, February 1952

Hubert de Givenchy adjusts the skirt of one of his designs on Bettina Graziani for his first Spring collection, photo by Nat Farbman, February 1952

Ivy Nicholson in Givenchy's skirt and blouse with wide 3/4 sleeves and exaggerated cuffs, photo by Nat Farbman, February 1952

Ivy Nicholson is modeling Givenchy's pleated lace evening dress in his debut showing before a crowd of fashion editors, press and buyers, photo by Nat Farbman, February 1952

Ivy Nicholson is modeling gorgeous evening gown with lace manteau by Givenchy at his debut showing before a crowd of fashion editors, press and buyers, photo by Nat Farbman, February 1952

Ivy Nicholson is wearing Givenchy's "Fichu Lampion" in black and tan paisley pleated like a Japanese lantern, photo by Nat Farbman, February 1952

Ivy Nicholson is wearing Givenchy's big-sleeved coat of navy wool with new wrist-ruffle cuffs and Garbo-slouch hat, photo by Nat Farbman, February 1952

Ivy Nicholson is wearing Givenchy's big-sleeved coat of navy wool with new wrist-ruffle cuffs and Garbo-slouch hat, photo by Nat Farbman, Paris, February 1952

Ivy Nicholson is wearing Givenchy's big-sleeved coat of navy wool with new wrist-ruffle cuffs and Garbo-slouch hat, photo by Nat Farbman, Paris, February 1952

Ivy Nicholson is wearing Givenchy's big-sleeved coat of navy wool with new wrist-ruffle cuffs and Garbo-slouch hat, photo by Nat Farbman, Paris, February 1952

Ivy Nicholson is wearing Givenchy's pleated lace over turquoise evening dress with beaded and sequined shawl, photo by Nat Farbman, February 1952

Ivy Nicholson modeling Givenchy's lovely day dress, photo by Nat Farbman, February 1952

Ivy Nicholson wearing Givenchy's stiff-veiled circlet, photo by Nat Farbman, February 1952

Ivy Nicholson wearing one of Givenchy's beautiful evening dresses in his debut fashion show, photo by Nat Farbman, February 1952

Ivy Nicholson, Sophie Malgat Litvak and Bettina Graziani in Givenchy's interchangeable tops and skirts, photo by Nat Farbman, February 1952

Sophie Malgat in town suit with layered white organdy scarf tied around neck, by Givenchy, photo by Nat Farbman, Paris, 1952

Sophie Malgat Litvak in Givenchy's slim dress with white organdy fichu, photo by Nat Farbman, February 1952

Sophie Malgat Litvak in Givenchy's slim suit worn with wide scarf, photo by Nat Farbman, February 1952

Sophie Malgat Litvak is wearing slim tweed dress under leather jacket with knit sleeves by Givenchy, photo by Nat Farbman, Paris, February 1952