After years of prosperity following World War I, the U.S. economy began to rapidly decline before the stock-market crash in 1929 triggered the Great Depression.

Edward Steichen (1879-1973), who was working as a fashion photographer at the time, was nevertheless determined to focus on the bright side of society, creating vibrant and romantic imagery.

This exhibition consists of photos he took between 1923-1937 for Condé Nast magazines Vogue and Vanity Fair, showing off an artistic style of photography that is often credited for setting off a wave of modernism in America's fashion industry. On show are 200 images of his avant-garde fashion reportage; Jan. 26-April 7.

Setagaya Art Museum; (03) 3415-6011; 1-2 Kinuta-koen, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo; Yoga Station, Denentoshi Line. 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. ¥1,000. Closed Mon. (except Feb. 11), Feb. 12. www.setagayaartmuseum.or.jp.