If we raise up the model as muse, then we have to acknowledge the photographer as the maestro — the person creating the mad, beautiful images that make us fall in love with certain girls. The photo, after all, is what compels us to buy the clothes and become fans of the magazine or the designers. And few photographers have ever become quite as legendary in the fashion realm as Richard Avedon. Avedon, who started shooting at Harper's Bazaar in 1944 at the young age of 21, changed forever how we view editorial spreads. No longer stiff and posed, they were vibrant and full of energy. And the cult of model-dom starts with his work at Vogue (the Diana Vreeland years): Jean Shrimpton, Lauren Hutton, Twiggy, Penelope Tree, and Veruschka were all shot by Avedon. Starting tomorrow, the International Center of Photography is celebrating his work as part of ICP's Year of Fashion. "Avedon Fashion 1944–2000" will be on view through September 6. Here's a sneak peek at some of the breathtaking images you can expect.

International Center of Photography, 1133 Sixth Ave., at 43rd St.; 212-857-0000