His remarkable career continued until recently when he photographed the cover for British Vogue’s edition, guest-edited by the Duchess of Sussex. Lindbergh is celebrated for his timeless black and white imagery, which came to define the fashion world during the 1990s, particularly during the era of supermodels like Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington, and Tatjana Patitz.
Born in 1944 in Germany, Lindbergh initially began his fashion journey as a window dresser at department stores in Duisburg. His unique style drew inspiration from the industrial landscape of his hometown. After studying art, he embarked on a photography career in Düsseldorf in 1971. His work stood out due to its realistic and documentary-like quality, setting him apart from his contemporaries.
Lindbergh was known for his disdain for excessive retouching, preferring to showcase the authentic beauty of his subjects. He believed in highlighting more than just youth and perfection in his photographs. In 1988, he made a significant impact on the fashion world by photographing a group of up-and-coming supermodels wearing white shirts. The iconic January 1990 British Vogue cover featuring Evangelista, Campbell, Patitz, Crawford, and Turlington solidified their status as the most sought-after models of their generation.
Lindbergh’s preference for black and white photography played a crucial role in accentuating the near-perfection of the models, allowing their true essence to shine through. He believed that black and white photography added a sense of authenticity that color couldn’t replicate.
Apart from his contributions to fashion photography, Peter Lindbergh ventured into directing films and documentaries, creating movie posters, and crafting covers for music releases. His influence extended far beyond the fashion industry, leaving an indelible mark on the broader creative world.
