Legendary fashion photographer, Peter Lindbergh passed away on Tuesday at the age of 74, leaving a big void in the world of fashion. Having worked with some of the biggest names in fashion, Lindbergh is regarded as a pioneer of the iconic black and white style of fashion photography, which he popularized with his dramatic portraits.
Propelling names like Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington and Kate Moss to supermodel status, and working with publications like Vogue, The New Yorker, Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair, and Harper’s Bazaar, he is regarded as one of the primary chroniclers of the rise of the supermodels.
On this grim occasion of his passing, we look at some of his most iconic contributions to the world of fashion in the form of his photography.
Work for Vogue
Starting with his first ever British Vogue cover, featuring 80’s IT girl, Linda Evangelista, for the January 1989 issue. Photographed in minimal makeup to accentuate her natural beauty, styled in Rifat Ozbek, the photograph marked his first strong footfall in the industry, after which he was unstoppable.
This January 1990 Vogue cover is still considered one of the most iconic in the fashion giant’s history. Featuring the most sought after super models of the time; Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, Tatjana Patitz, Linda Evangelista, and Cindy Crawford, this image was era-defining.
For his last collaboration with Vogue, Lindbergh shot a series of portraits for the September issue of Vogue magazine, which has been guest-edited by the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle. Featuring 15 power women, it is not restricted to just models or celebrities; it includes 16 year old climate change activist, Greta Thunberg and the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern.
Powerful Portraits
Lindbergh’s classic style of photography found major success, as is demonstrated in this 1992 photo of a natural, stripped down Kate Moss, who at that time was just rounding off her teens.
Peter Lindbergh made Kate Moss his muse once again, in 2017. Recreating his signature style, complete with the same model who, aged 43 years this time, kept his original natural appeal intact; a no makeup, no holds barred, stripped down version of the icon that is Kate Moss.
Dramatic, glamorous, and quintessentially Lindbergh, this portrait of Cate Blanchett screams powerful.
Capturing raw emotions on his subjects face rather than focusing on the theatrics of makeup and dress-up, his work remains cognizant of reality even under bright lights. Here, he captures Angelina Jolie in a gorgeous, minimal shot.
Pirelli calendar diaries
Moving away from the staple style of Pirelli calendars, Lindbergh’s 2017 version depicted a ”different kind of sexy”. Featuring actresses picked by himself, they were put in full clothes and minimal makeup. His take was “a different beauty, more real and truthful – not manipulated by commercial interests.†His photographs captured a completely natural and non-airbrushed version of the actresses.
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