French fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier has died, aged 78

By

Benjamin Fitzgerald

Published
Apr 1, 2022

Famed French fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier has died, aged 78, according to an announcement made via the icon's official Instagram account on Thursday.

"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Patrick Demarchelier on March 31st 2022, at the age of 78,” read the caption.

Born on August 21, 1943, in France's Le Havre, Demarchelier moved to Paris aged 20, but his photography career really took off in the United States. Demarchelier cut his photography teeth as an assistant, before shooting for American Vogue, ahead of his official move to New York in 1975. He had a long creative partnership with the stylist Grace Coddington at both British Vogue and American Vogue, with one of his most memorable photography moments being ​his cover shot of Linda Evangelista for the September 1992 issue of Harper’s Bazaar.

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His career also saw him shoot campaigns for all the major luxury fashion houses -- ​Christian Dior, Ralph Lauren, Chanel and Giorgio Armani -- in addition to being the personal portrait taker of Princess Diana. He also photographed the iconic Pirelli calendar three times, in 2005, 2008 and 2014.

In 2018, however, Demarchelier faced sexual harassment allegations via a Boston Globe article that alleged his inappropriate advancements toward several models during his career. The photographer denied any wrongdoing.

Demarchelier is survived by his wife Mia, his three sons Gustaf, Arthur, Victor and three grandchildren.