Showing now at the J. Paul Getty Museum. Edited down to 87 images, many never before seen, from over 1,200, they capture the unique, glamour that Ritts made famous. Beautiful faces, bodies, enjoying their moment in our California sun.

He pretty much discovered Richard Gere. And launched careers for Antonio Sabado Jr., and Djmon Honsu in Janet Jackson’s video.

Being a child of the 80’s and a swinging 20 something in the 90’s, his images are like a time capsule to the fashion zeitgeist of that period. Janet Jackson’s “Love Will Never Do Without You,” video with her looking fit and fab, enveloped in the arms of heavenly Antonio Sabado Jr. and his million dollar smile, was like crack to us. We wanted to see it again and again. He told her he wanted an updo, black bustier top and ripped jeans. That pretty much says 90’s.

Same with Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game” with him on a beach with Helena Christensen in all her exotic glory.

Sadly, Herb Ritts died in 2002, from complication of the AIDS virus. If he were alive today, there is no doubt in my mind he would’ve started making movies. A true fashioneaste.