Friends in Vogue
Peter Lindbergh left a lasting impression on those whose path crossed his. Vogue Australia collaborators and former editors reflect on their encounters with the great photographer.
EDWINA McCANN, Vogue Australia editor-in-chief
“I have always admired Peter’s work, and when he agreed to photograph Emma Watson for the March 2018 issue of Vogue Australia – focussed on sustainability and which she guest-edited – it made for the perfect match: two authentic, beautiful beings brought together to change the world for the better. His passing is not only a huge loss to his friends and family, but also to a global industry.”
HANNES HETTA, fashion editor and stylist
“Working with Peter never really felt like working, it was more like an exchange of pure joy and love. Peter had a unique way of seeing people; he’d see them for who they really were. With his kindness, warmth and humour, he gave everyone around him the confidence and freedom to be part of the creative process, not only those in front of the camera, but also everyone behind it.
I will always remember the day we spent with Emma Watson [for Vogue Australia’s March 2018 cover, shot in the French countryside] with great happiness. Peter and Emma interacted like two old friends having the best time together. At the end of the shoot, she presented Peter with a birthday cake as it was his birthday the day before, and we all sang happy birthday and danced together.”
JILLIAN DAVISON, creative director, Condé Nast Australia titles
“Peter Lindbergh was adored, not only by the women he photographed, but all who experienced the warmth and humour he brought to his sittings. I had the great privilege to work with Peter in 2003, flying to meet him in Goa, India, with a young Natalia Vodianova. Peter was actually on holidays with his family and they joined us between sittings. It all felt very natural, the picture-taking just an extension of his real life. He insisted on zero hair and make-up on set and simply had Natalia stand at the water’s edge on the local beach, gazing down his lens and stepping closer to his camera shot by shot. The pictures are still the most iconic in my portfolio.
He has left behind an incredibly powerful body of work: achingly beautiful, stripped back in its honesty and strength. You almost feel like you are looking into a subject’s soul when you look at his pictures of women. His unique imagery will define female fashion portraiture for decades to come.”
MARION HUME, former Vogue Australia editor-in-chief
“I still recall how thrilled I was when the great Peter Lindbergh agreed to shoot my first cover for Vogue Australia in 1997. He believed the magazine was entering a new era, that Australia was an exciting place to be and that a then unknown designer – Akira Isogawa – was worth his attention. And then came Naomi Campbell, who he persuaded to take part.
I first met Peter in 1994. The last time I saw him was about two years ago. He was a great romantic, always so respectful of women and the creator of such legendary images. I shall be forever honoured that he said yes.”