Iconic fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier died on Thursday at age 78.
The news was announced on Instagram, with a message reading: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Patrick Demarchelier… at the age of 78. He is survived by his wife Mia, his three sons Gustaf, Arthur, Victor and three grandchildren.”
Sources told Page Six that he passed away on the island of St Barts. His cause of death has not yet been revealed.
During his career, Demarchelier worked at Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, and became Princess Diana’s personal photographer.
The Frenchman was also the first non-British lensman to be asked to photograph the royal family, and shot famous subjects including Madonna, Gisele Bündchen, Hillary Clinton, Nicole Kidman, Kate Moss and many more.
On Thursday, Demarchelier was remembered on social media by fashion pros including Bella Hadid, who wrote via Instagram, “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.”
He also shot campaigns for top luxury brands including Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Celine, Donna Karan, YSL and Carolina Herrera, among others — and was also featured in TV shows from “Sex and the City” to “America’s Next Top Model,” as well as the Vogue documentary “The September Issue.”
However, his career was clouded by sexual harassment allegations in 2018, when he was accused by a personal assistant and six models of misconduct, and Condé Nast severed ties with him. He denied the allegations, saying at the time, “People lie and they tell stories. It’s ridiculous.”
The allegations came to light in a blockbuster Boston Globe #MeToo exposé of the fashion industry by its famed Spotlight team. The piece unsurfaced allegations against 25 industry professionals.
