WWD | A New Photography Book Confirms Demarchelier as One of Fashion’s Eternal Talents

The late Patrick Demarchelier was one of fashion‘s most in-demand photographers, with his work having graced the covers of “Vogue,” “French Vogue,” “Harper’s Bazaar” and countless other titles, while lending his eye to campaigns for brands like Dior, Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent and the like.

Now, a new book offers a glimpse into some of his more personal work, with unpublished photographs that reveal his process and approach, along with behind-the-scenes images from some of his favorite shoots. 

From publisher Rizzoli, “Patrick Demarchelier: Fashion Photographs Seen and Unseen” was released September 2 and quickly landed on Amazon’s “Hot New Releases” chart online.

The new hardcover coffee table book features 304 pages of iconic fashion photography, ranging from elaborate studio setups and lush location shoots to more intimate moments between only Demarchelier and his subjects.

The French photographer has shot countless celebrities and models, and the new book includes previously unseen images of Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista, Karlie Kloss, Cate Blanchett, Demi Moore, Glenn Close, and many more. The photographs were compiled by Demarchelier’s son Victor, a noted photographer in his own right.

American writer Brad Gooch provides the foreword, which doubles as an esteemed biography of Demarchelier: from the time he picked up his first Eastman Kodak camera as a teenager to being honored as a French Officer in l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (the Order of Arts and Literature). Gooch also writes about the unique way Demarchelier captured his subjects, noting that “Patrick’s legacy is an elegance that is both ‘timeless’ and ‘snap.'” In fact, per Gooch, the photographer himself often described his style as a “‘half-second accident.'”

In addition to contributions from Victor Demarchelier and Gooch, the book is designed by the legendary art director Fabien Baron, who worked with the photographer on multiple campaigns and shoots.

As Rizzoli notes in an accompanying description, “[Demarchelier’s] published images often feature polished, high-fashion aesthetics, capturing the glamour and elegance of the fashion world, [but] the unpublished ones reveal a more intimate, raw, and unfiltered side of his artistry. These unseen photos offer a glimpse into Demarchelier’s creative process, showcasing moments of spontaneity and experimentation,” while exposing a trove of never-before-seen images — each one breathtaking and full of surprises, revealing an extraordinary range of talent.”