The April issue of W magazine features a 60 page photo essay on New Orleans shot by Bruce Weber.

Since the tragedy that was Hurricane Katrina, all of the news coming out of the Big Easy has been unfortunate and sad, to say the least -- totally eclipsing the colorful personalities and traditions that once occupied the city.

On wanting to shine a light back on the more positive aspects of New Orleans, W magazine's creative director Dennis Freedman told WWD: "Obviously, Katrina is and always will be a part of the history and future of New Orleans. The point of the story is to show people who haven't been spotlighted in the media in the past."

Since this is such an epic spread, the fashion magazine made ten videos to compliment the Bruce Weber-lensed "Come one down to Nawlins" story.

My favorite video is the one entitled "Petite Fleur" featuring supermodel Karen Elson gracefully lounging on antique furniture while she gets her photo taken.

If only life could be this calm and relaxing.