Renowned French fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier, who was known for his iconic images and influential career, has sadly passed away at the age of 78. The news of his death was announced through a statement on his official Instagram account, where the caption expressed deep sadness over his passing.
Born on August 21, 1943, in Le Havre, France, Demarchelier embarked on his photography journey when he moved to Paris at the young age of 20. However, it was in the United States that his career truly took off. Starting as an assistant, he quickly rose through the ranks and began shooting for American Vogue. In 1975, he officially made the move to New York, solidifying his position in the fashion industry.
One of the highlights of Demarchelier’s career was his long-standing collaboration with stylist Grace Coddington, with whom he worked at both British Vogue and American Vogue. Together, they created breathtaking and unforgettable fashion moments that still resonate today, such as the iconic cover shot of Linda Evangelista for the September 1992 issue of Harper’s Bazaar.
Beyond the pages of magazines, Demarchelier was highly sought after by luxury fashion houses like Christian Dior, Ralph Lauren, Chanel, and Giorgio Armani, who trusted him to capture the essence of their brands in his campaigns. Notably, he also had the honor of being Princess Diana’s personal portrait photographer. Additionally, Demarchelier was selected to photograph the prestigious Pirelli calendar on three separate occasions, in 2005, 2008, and 2014.
However, in 2018, Demarchelier faced serious allegations of sexual harassment. An article published in The Boston Globe alleged that he had made inappropriate advances towards numerous models throughout his career. Demarchelier vehemently denied these accusations and maintained his innocence.
Patrick Demarchelier is survived by his wife Mia, their three sons Gustaf, Arthur, Victor, and three grandchildren. His impact as a trailblazer in fashion photography will continue to inspire and shape the work of future generations of photographers and creatives.
Useful links:
– Vogue UK’s retrospective interview with Patrick Demarchelier
– Harper’s Bazaar’s tribute to Patrick Demarchelier
