Ellen von Unwerth was born in Frankfurt, Germany, on January 17, 1954. She spent her childhood in foster care after her mother passed away. Initially, she pursued a career as a model for approximately ten years before transitioning behind the camera.
Von Unwerth began her photography career in the 1980s. She gained prominence for her distinctive style, characterized by playful, provocative, and often humorous depictions of women. Her work frequently incorporates elements of fetishism and embraces a strong, independent female gaze.
Von Unwerth’s breakthrough came with her Guess? Jeans campaign featuring Claudia Schiffer in 1989. This campaign significantly boosted both her and Schiffer’s careers. Throughout her career, she has photographed numerous celebrities and models, including Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Britney Spears, Rihanna, and Madonna. Her work has appeared in leading fashion magazines such as Vogue, Elle, Vanity Fair, Interview, and i-D.
She has published numerous photography books, including “Snaps” (1994), “Wicked” (1998), “Couples” (1999), “Revenge” (2003), “Fräulein” (2009), “Heimat” (2017), and “Vivienne Westwood” (2021). These books showcase her distinctive photographic style and contribute to her reputation as a significant figure in contemporary fashion photography.
While primarily known for her photography, von Unwerth has also directed short films and music videos. She directed the music video for Duran Duran’s “Serious” (1990) and Belinda Carlisle’s “California” (2017). Her film work maintains the same aesthetic and thematic elements found in her photography.
Von Unwerth has received several awards and recognitions for her contributions to photography and visual arts. These awards acknowledge her distinctive style and influence on the fashion industry and beyond. Specific award details are not readily available in a comprehensive list.
Ellen von