Sharon Stone is lensed by Frederic Auerbach for Elle Russia January 2012 in a precious, inspiring, poetic, spectacularly-gorgeous and intimate series of images, the most captivating I’ve seen in a long time. There is so much integrity in these pictures, so much tenderness and mastery of the camera on Auerbach’s part, so much sensitivity and connection that I just keep staring at them with tears in my eyes.

We all know that Sharon Stone looks wonderful at any age, and definitely at 53. What is so moving about these images is their honesty. Sharon does work hard to remain youthful and sexy, and the camera rewards her.

At the same time, Auerbach makes Stones’ years look beautiful — as if we are facing sensual wisdom with no need to photoshop away her years of experience and understanding. Of course the images are retouched, but only with the greatest respect to keep the real Sharon Stone vibrating.

The textures and fabrics, the quiet, aging opulence are just magnificent, too. I haven’t found who styled the shoot, but kudos to the stylist. This editorial has love and tenderness written all over it.

If more photographers brought this kind of sensitivity and human connection to their lens, I daresay women wouldn’t fear aging so much. Wow. Anne

Hair by Adir Abergel; makeup by Kate Lee