Gilles Bensimon — the photographer who changed modern fashion

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It's often said that modern fashion is created by couturiers. But that's not entirely true, as their work wouldn't be as vibrant without photographers and models. Gilles Bensimon is a master photographer who has contributed to the fashion industry as much as iconic fashion designers. He literally changed the concept of beauty, revealing a new type of woman—open, daring, and natural.

Colleagues call Gilles Bensimon a visual optimist. He has a talent for creating works filled with life and light that delight the eye and soul. Since 1967, the photographer has created covers for ELLE, MAXIM, and other renowned glossy magazines. Bensimon's work, which makes them as appealing as possible, plays a significant role in the success of many renowned publications.

Portuguese model Sara Sampaio for Maxim 2016

Gilles Bensimon is a proponent of minimalism in photography. He believes that a photograph should not be overloaded with details that can ruin even the most beautiful concept. Therefore, his work is always laconic and entirely dedicated to the key figure—the model.

Latvian model Lana Zakocela for Maxim magazine 2023

And Bensimon knows his way around models like no other. At various times, his lens has captured the likes of Cindy Crawford, Stephanie Seymour, Elle Macpherson, Christy Turlington, Charlize Theron, Linda Evangelista, Gisele Bündchen, Alessandra Ambrosio, Heidi Klum, Karlie Kloss, and Hailey Bieber.

Surprisingly, the images of many supermodels are firmly associated with Bensimon's work. It couldn't be otherwise, as this photographer created some of the most famous images of these runway legends.

Olivia Culpo

Sara Sampaio for the cover of Maxim GQ France

Portuguese model Sara Sampaio for Maxim

Belgian model Jade Lagardere (Faure)

Sara Sampaio

French model Cindy Bruna. Mother is Congolese, father is Italian

Claudia Schiffer for the cover of Photo magazine, July 1993

Claudia Schiffer

Candice Swanepoel for Maxim

Stella Maxwell for Maxim Magazine June/July 2016

Lana Zakotsela for Maxim Magazine

Lana Zakotsela for Maxim Magazine Maxim

Brazilian model Lais Ribeiro