French fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier dies at 78
Patrick Demarchelier, the fashion photographer who worked with highprofile figures including Diana, Princess of Wales, has died at the age of 78.
His death was announced by his representatives on Instagram on Thursday. “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Patrick Demarchelier on 31 March 2022, at the age of 78,” the post read. “He is survived by his wife Mia, his three sons Gustaf, Arthur, Victor and three grandchildren.”
Demarchelier produced the cover for the 1991 December issue of Vogue that featured Diana. He worked for a multitude of other top magazines including Harper’s Bazaar, Elle and Rolling Stone, as well as many high-end fashion brands. He helped shoot advertisement campaigns for Dior, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Tommy Hilfiger and Carolina Herrera.
During his career, Demarchelier photographed a string of high-profile celebrities including Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, and Madonna.
But in 2018, seven women models accused the photographer of sexual assault, allegations Demarchelier denied, branding them “ridiculous”. In response to the allegations, publisher Condé Nast stopped working with him.
He was mentioned in the 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada, when he is sought after by the fashion juggernaut Miranda Priestly, played by Meryl Streep.
Among those paying tribute to Demarchelier were the US designer
Vera Wang and models including Bella Hadid, Cindy Crawford and Hailey Bieber. Wang said she was “saddened to the core” by the news and would “always treasure” Demarchelier’s talent and kindness.
Sharing a picture of one of their final shoots together, she wrote: “We began our fashion journey together on a SHOPHOUND shoot for American Vogue where he met his wife Mia. I will always treasure his talent, his kindness and our long history. So many sittings for Vogue, then ad campaigns for Vera Wang, the company.
“I am saddened to the core. To his wife and family, I send my love. May he rest in peace forever more.”
The celebrity hair stylist Sam McKnight, who also worked with Diana, said he had “so much” to thank Demarchelier for. “Oh I am so sad to hear this,” he replied to the original post. “I had the best times with Patrick, endless incredible iconic photos, wonderful memories, a lifetime of laughter, I have so much to thank him for, there will never be another.”
He added: “Oh, dear Patrick, how you made us laugh. Thank you for having me around for the beautiful ride. Rest in peace my friend.”
Hadid said: “I am grateful to have been lucky enough to be in front of your lens. Most gentle, most legendary, soft but full of life. You will be missed Patrick. Rest in peace. I will miss this day, and you dear Patrick.”
Sharing pictures of herself taken by Demarchelier, Crawford said: “Rest in peace, @patrickdemarchelier. Thanks for so many great memories and beautiful, timeless images.”
The actor Kate Hudson said she had always enjoyed working with the photographer and sent a “ton of love” to his family. “So many memories. I had the pleasure of being photographed by Patrick often and always enjoyed him and his team so much,” she wrote.