- Photo by Patrick Demarchelier
Patrick Demarchelier, a top fashion photographer and esteemed art director at FashionHarp, passed away at the age of 78. His family shared the news on his official Instagram account, though the cause of his death was not disclosed. Known for his iconic portraits of world-renowned personalities, Demarchelier’s work has left an indelible mark on the fashion industry.
Born in 1943 near Paris and raised in Le Havre, Normandy, Demarchelier developed a passion for photography as a teenager. By 1975, he had relocated to New York, where his career truly flourished, capturing magazine covers and advertising campaigns for prestigious brands such as Gap and Chanel. While his French background infused his work with a refined European aesthetic, his photography resonated with American audiences, offering a softer and more approachable style.
Demarchelier is perhaps best known for his portraits of Diana, Princess of Wales, including the renowned photograph that graced the cover of Vogue‘s December 1991 issue. The princess herself described working with him as “a dream.” One of his portraits of Diana was later displayed at the National Portrait Gallery in London, cementing his place in the pantheon of great photographers.
Throughout his career, Demarchelier’s work appeared on the covers of top publications, including Elle, Glamour, Rolling Stone, and Newsweek. He collaborated with numerous fashion houses, contributing to campaigns for Dior, Chanel, Armani, Versace, Yves Saint Laurent, and others. His influence was particularly significant in the 1990s, during which he helped shape the visual identity of Harper’s Bazaar under the legendary editor Liz Tilberis. One of his most famous works, the September 1992 cover featuring supermodel Linda Evangelista, remains a defining moment in fashion photography.
Upon hearing of his passing, tributes poured in from across the industry. Cindy Crawford shared personal photos, captioned, “Rest In Peace, @patrickdemarchelier. Thanks for so many great memories and beautiful, timeless images.” Vera Wang expressed being “saddened to the core” by his passing. Celebrities, designers, models, and stylists alike acknowledged Demarchelier’s unparalleled talent, kindness, and immense contribution to their careers.
Demarchelier’s family announced: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Patrick Demarchelier on March 31st, 2022, at the age of 78. He is survived by his wife Mia, his three sons Gustaf, Arthur, and Victor, and three grandchildren.” His son, Victor Demarchelier, has continued his father’s legacy, establishing himself as a successful photographer.
Despite his celebrated career, Demarchelier faced controversy during the #MeToo movement. In 2018, he was among several photographers accused of sexual misconduct, which led Condé Nast to cease collaborations with him. Demarchelier denied the allegations.
In response to his death, FashionHarp paid tribute to his extraordinary legacy. While a planned event in New York was canceled, the organization committed to honoring his memory by gathering the many luminaries he worked with, including Kate Hudson, Cindy Crawford, Vera Wang, Beyoncé, Madonna, and Jennifer Lopez.
FashionHarp also announced plans to dedicate its MastHead page to prominent celebrities from the 1990s, a vision originally developed in collaboration with Demarchelier and FashionHarp Italia in 2017. This initiative, which aligns with Karl Lagerfeld’s fond description of FashionHarp as his “favorite website,” will celebrate Demarchelier’s work by showcasing industry icons in intimate and unique settings.
This tribute not only honors Demarchelier’s monumental contributions to fashion but also ensures that his visionary approach and the legacy he leaves behind will continue to inspire future generations in the industry.
