David Downton's new book, "David Downton: Portraits of the World's Most Stylish Women," is a visual feast for those of us that appreciate the important role that fashion plays in world culture. Downton has created poignant portrait studies of some of the most beautiful women of the 20th and 21st Centuries. Iconic women such as Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, Catherine Deneuve, Joan Collins, and Carmen Dell'Orefice as well as Iman, Julia Roberts, Cate Blanchette, and Sophia Coppola. The list is endless and each image in the book will enchant and inspire readers. Downton's work has graced the most respected fashion magazines in the world but his illustrations are true works of art, capturing far more than just physical beauty. As Downton states, "Blank beauty isn't beauty after a while. The turn of the wheel in the gene pool is the opening play, but for any one of these women you have to add intelligence, humor, dedication, and work. It's what you do with beauty that's the interesting thing." Downton is a gentleman that understands the more profound aspects of life and is the personification of The Art of Fine Living. Gary Inman 08.30.15

Catherine Deneuve will always be the greatest beauty of the 20th Century in my opinion.

Audrey Hepburn, the icon of beauty for generations of women.

Elizabeth Taylor, those extraordinary violet eyes as imagined by David Downton.

Downton captures the jovial spirit of Julia Roberts.

David Downton for the Victoria & Albert Museum, London.

David Downton, Fashion Illustrator