Peter Lindbergh
Peter Lindbergh, revered for his timeless, cinematic photography, left an indelible mark on the fashion world with his evocative black and white imagery. Before his passing on September 3, 2019, at the age of 74, Lindbergh had shaped the visual language of fashion photography with his work for Calvin Klein, David Yurman, and through his editorials in the industry’s leading publications.
After moving to Paris in 1978, Lindbergh’s distinctive vision caught the eye of Vogue, leading to contributions across its Italian, English, French, German, and American editions, and later, The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, Allure, and Rolling Stone. His collaboration with Anna Wintour for American Vogue in 1988, particularly the magazine’s groundbreaking cover featuring a Christian Lacroix couture sweatshirt paired with jeans, revolutionized fashion imagery. His January 1990 Vogue cover remains one of the most iconic images in fashion, capturing the era’s supermodels in a display of unprecedented elegance and unity.
Lindbergh pioneered the concept of narrative-driven fashion editorials, with his 1990 Italian Vogue shoot starring Helena Christensen as a Martian marking a significant evolution in the storytelling power of fashion photography. His unique approach garnered the exclusive attention of American Harper’s Bazaar in 1992, under editor Liz Tilberis’s leadership.
His work with the Pirelli calendar — in 1996, 2002, and 2017 — broke new ground, especially the 2002 edition, which was the first to feature actresses over models, earning acclaim for its bold departure from tradition.
Lindbergh’s contributions extend beyond fashion magazines to the permanent collections of prestigious art museums and exhibitions worldwide, including the V&A, Centre Pompidou, and MoMA PS1. His work has been celebrated in exhibitions such as “A Different Vision on Fashion Photography” and “Alberto Giacometti Beyond Bronze” at the Kunsthaus Zurich.
Recognized for his exceptional talent, Lindbergh received the Best Photographer award at the International Fashion Awards in Paris in both 1995 and 1997, and the Lucie Award for Outstanding Achievement in Fashion Photography in 2005.
Lindbergh’s legacy is carried on by his wife Petra, his first wife Astrid, his four sons, and seven grandchildren, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire and captivate.
