Photo: Instagram
Legendary fashion photographer Peter Lindbergh died in Paris yesterday. He was 74 years old. Models, designers, editors and even the Duchess of Sussex have taken to social media to pay tribute to the iconic photographer. Lindbergh’s work with models like Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, and Cindy Crawford shaped contemporary fashion’s vision of supermodels, and his images have graced magazines all over the globe as well as fashion campaigns through the years.
Till his last breath, Lindbergh was still photographing stars for editorials and campaigns. He was one of the people responsible for shaping the supermodel era of the 90s and has revolutionised contemporary fashion’s understanding of what photography could be and become, with his iconic imagery.
He was known for his unretouched, black-and-white, and cinematic portraits. Lindbergh recently worked with the Duchess of Sussex, to shoot the September issue of British Vogue, and that is not his last, as there are even reports of more fashion covers in the coming months that he has shot. His craft still lives on after his death. A true professional who still worked till his last days, his dedication and longevity in the industry shows Lindbergh was a force to be reckoned with when it came to fashion photography.
Today the whole fashion community took to Instagram to honor the late photographer and the fashion legacy he left behind. Here are some of the most touching ones:
Naomi Campbell
Broken Beyond Words 😢 💔 @therealpeterlindbergh your vitality , your animated Smile … your kindness and generosity of giving me your home in Paris while mine was being put together !! Oh Peter so many memories of 33 years that my heart right now cannot tell …. MAY YOU BE WITH PAPA RESTING WITH THE HIGHEST 🕊🕊🙏🏾 #ALWAYSAGENTLEMAN
@naomi
Cindy Crawford
When @therealpeterlindbergh shoots, it’s about the women. It’s not about the hair, makeup, or styling, really. He had a way of turning your imperfections into something unique and beautiful… and his images will always be timeless. you will be so missed Peter. I’m honored to have known you and worked with you ❤️
@cindycrawford
Christy Turlington
There are so many incredible photos of and by @therealpeterlindbergh that I had not seen before today. What a life and what a body of work! This one stands out. My dearest @arthurelgort posted this earlier and is one of the sweetest I have seen. Two photographers who have mutual admiration and respectful for one another’s work and whom I adore. Arthur lost his dear friend @stevehiettphotography recently who did the graphics on the cover of his book #TheModelsManual that Peter is holding. Peter’s book 10Women was something he was truly proud of too. He looks so happy and especially handsome in this photo. Not sure who took the photo. Please forgive me. 💙
@cturlington
Karlie Kloss
I am heartbroken 💔 Every opportunity to be around Peter was a true privilege, he was the first film photographer I ever worked with and I will never forget how it felt to be on his set. His kindness, joy and humor was infectious. Peters lens captured and immortalized so many iconic moments, I’m honored to have known and worked with this legend. His loss is devastating, my thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones at this time
@karliekloss
Claudia Schiffer
Peter grew up not that far from me in Germany. We understood each other immediately. His contrast photography, black and white pictures often reminded me of the Ruhrpot area. He was an amazing family man, always positive and gentle. Never played games – he was straightforward and honest. He loved women and made everyone look beautiful. I will miss him.
Carolyn Murphy
This is how I will remember you Peter…smiling, storytelling, laughing, joking, taking my hand and wandering off together. There was no distance or separation, you were full of genuine curiosity and connection, which made our creativity effortless. You made me, and every woman you worked with, feel beautiful and always empowered. I will miss you, I will forever cherish our friendship, your magic and especially your hugs…may the angels carry you my “teddy bear” #restinpeace 💔
@carolynmurphy
Amber Valletta
Dearest Peter to sum up your spirit and work in the simplest words – a great master. Your kindness, generosity, humor, soulfulness, compassion and extraordinary talent to see the world with heart leaves us all with more beauty and hope. I send my deepest sympathy to his children and wife Petra. His collaborators and friends which were all the same to him. All who were inspired by this man’s great work in and out of the fashion industry. My heart is very heavy loosing my friend and one my of greatest collaborators. I will miss you so much Petey. Your bear hugs, your smile, your laughter and mostly being seen through eyes. Thank you Peter for your gifts and for sharing them. I love you always. Rip #peterlindbergh@therealpeterlindbergh
@ambervalletta
Glenda Bailey, Editor-in-Chief of Harper's BAZAAR US
Working with Peter changed my life. I will forever cherish the images we created, but more so the laughter we shared.
@glendabailey
Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele, Stylist
Kimora Lee Simmons
I will miss my friend, legend and lion of fashion @therealpeterlindbergh .
His visual storytelling was beyond compare. I was blessed to know and work with him. He shot legendary @babyphat campaigns. We won’t see anything like him again. Rest well friend. Till we meet again❤️
@kimoraleesimmons
David Beckham
I’m finding it difficult to come up with the words to explain how much I loved, admired and respected Peter. Not only was he an incredible talent, but he was one of the kindest and most inspiring people I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the years. We have lost a legend and an amazing human being… ♥️ @therealpeterlindbergh
@davidbeckham
Joan Smalls
This one broke my heart. Thank you for your talent, craft and care, that I was able to witness and be inspired by. Your effortless beauty in capturing moments were the greatest gifts to be a part of and for allowing us to be collaborative and involved in the whole process was a rarity at your level. You were always a humble icon and master in this industry. Thank you from the bottom of my heart @therealpeterlindberghMay you rest in sweet peace ❣️
@joansmalls
Diane von Furstenberg
Good bye darling Peter @therealpeterlindbergh … no one made women feel and look better… through your lense, there was your immense heart… It has been a privilege to know you and an honor to be photographed by you. May you Rest In Peace… your images will last for ever !
@therealdvf
Manuel Arnaut, Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Arabia
Rest In Peace master Peter. 😢
All the team at #voguearabia is deeply saddened by the passing of @therealpeterlindbergh . We are blessed to have worked with this talented and kind man. Our October 2019 issue cover was shot by Lindbergh, his last Vogue cover, and we will reveal it soon. #rip#peterlindbergh
@mrarnaut
Helena Christensen
Peter… words cannot express how sad I am to hear of your passing. You meant so much to me, as a friend, in my career and in my life. From the very first time I stepped into your studio in Paris, a young baby-faced gawky hippie girl from Denmark, you took me under your wing. Through your lens I was allowed to blossom, to grow up, to remain myself and to express all the different sides of the woman I was growing into. You captured all of that in the most profound and poetic way. Every single story I ever did with you was magical, whether it be my first white horse Vogue cover, the wondrous alien love story or the hypnotic Moroccan sittings. I learned so much from you and the unique way you approached photography, the tender and enthusiastic way you guided your subjects and the technical ways in which you created a set, lighting, compositions.. I know that my life would be different today if you hadn’t pulled me into your dark, beautiful photography universe. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting me be such a big part of creating all these powerful, personal, emotional stories. No one showed a woman and her myriad ways of expressing herself quite like you ♥️ @therealpeterlindbergh
@helenachristensen
Liu Wen
From childhood, I have always felt that black and white photographs had a special texture to them. After becoming a model, I discovered that they reflected a sense of time and power as well. I am extremely grateful that I had the opportunity to work with @therealpeterlindbergh during my career. I loved the ease he brought to his work, the focus he had towards every moment. Most of all, I loved the black and white moments seen through his eyes. A moment becomes an instant classic, a classic becomes eternal…and the curtains never close on eternity 🕯 May you have a wonderful journey onward Peter, we will miss you so much!
@liuwenlw
Adut Akech
Just got off my connecting flight, only to find out the sad news of @therealpeterlindberghpassing 😢
Peter Lindbergh was one of my many dream photographers to shoot with since the start of my career. I’ve always admired his work so much. Only 2 months ago I finally had the honor to work with him to shoot a cover that is very close to heart for @britishvogue. The minute I entered the room I fell in love with him immediately, his energy was everything. He was so kind, happy, positive and we just kept laughing throughout this entire shoot. I’m so proud to know my dream came true and I can proudly say I got to be in presence and in front of his lens.
Thank you @edward_enninful @therealgracecoddington for this special moment.
My deepest condolences go out to his family members, friends and those with a special relationship with him. Today is truly a sad day having to say bye to another iconic legend. But thank you Peter for everything you’ve done for the industry, it won’t be the same without you.
Rest well legend we love you and miss you already! 🙏🏾💔💔😢
@adutakech
Charlize Theron
My heart is broken. Peter Lindbergh was a genius and an absolute master of his craft. But beyond that, what made him truly one of a kind was his consistent kindness, warmth, and incredible sense of humor. One of the best human beings I have ever met. I will never forget you, my friend ❤️
@Charlizeafrica
Lara Stone
Oh how much I’ll miss you, I’m heartbroken 💔 rest in peace dear Peter 😢
@lara_stone
Edward Enninful
Peter Lindbergh was both a visionary photographer and a dear friend. His ability to see real beauty in people, and the world, was ceaseless, and will live on through the images he created. He will he missed by everyone who knew him, worked with him or loved one of his pictures.
@edward_enninful
Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex
Honouring the life and work of photographer Peter Lindbergh.
His work is revered globally for capturing the essence of a subject and promoting healthy ideals of beauty, eschewing photoshopping, and preferring natural beauty with minimal makeup.
The Duchess of Sussex had worked with Peter in the past and personally chose him to shoot the 15 women on the cover for the September issue of British Vogue, which she guest edited. There is no other photographer she considered to bring this meaningful project to life.
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“Forces for Change” was the one of the esteemed photographer’s final published projects. He will be deeply missed.
Photo © @therealpeterlindbergh / © SussexRoyal
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A Look Back At Peter Lindbergh’s Most Iconic Photographs
Peter Lindbergh, Legendary Fashion Photographer, Dies At 74
Glenda Bailey On Peter Lindbergh’s “Gently Seductive” Photography
