THEThe fashion world is crying Gian Paolo Barbieriwho passed away on 18 December 2024 in Milan, his hometown. Fashion photographer Having become a leading figure on the international scene, he has transformed the lens into a storytelling tool. Giving to the world shots of elegant beauty.
They posed in front of him all the most iconic women in historyfrom which he managed to strip the essence and restore it in precise but at the same time anti-conventional works.
From theaters to photographic sets: the art of storytelling
Grew up among the textures and colors of a family of textile merchantsBarbieri soon discovered the magic of the performing arts, from theater to cinema, which would later become the backbone of his photography.
After collaborating with the visionary Tom KublinBarbieri opened his studio in Milan in 1964. Starting collaborations with magazines such as Vogue Italia and quickly establishing himself as one of the most sought-after photographers.
Audrey Hepburn through the lens of Gian Paolo Barbieri. (courtesy of the Gian Paolo Barbieri Foundation)
Gian Paolo Barbieri, Italian fashion seen through his eyes
«The images of Gian Paolo Barbieri are – in order – eye, heart and mind” he said Gianfranco Ferré. In fact, if Valentino, Armani, Versace And Ferré are today synonymous with Made in Italy, it is also thanks to Gian Paolo Barbieri who was able to translate their creative genius into immortal images. The recipe for his success? Architecturally minimalist sets, high contrasts and a clever use of clothes and fabrics to create theatrical geometries. The ones he signed were not simple fashion campaigns, but moments captured and framed in the collective memory, forever.
The portrait of Vivienne Westwood by Gian Paolo Barbieri. (courtesy of the Gian Paolo Barbieri Foundation)
Later in his career Barbieri then shifted his gaze beyond fashionexploring distant worlds with the same passion for detail. His works dedicated to exotic culturesfrom the islands of Polynesia to the deserts of Africa, are remembered for their cinematic character and ability to tell stories of humanity, tradition and spirituality.
A shot in Piazza Duomo in Milan. (courtesy of the Gian Paolo Barbieri Foundation)
Eternal icons of beauty
Audrey Hepburn, enigmatic, shrouded in a veil of mystery. Veruschka, emerging from a silk drape. Jerry Hall sensual, immersed in a golden light. OR Monica Bellucci, naked, with a transparent bustier dress and a cigarette in her mouth. Every woman, in front of Gian Paolo Barbieri’s lens, became the embodiment of universal beauty. Those portraits, which occupied the covers of Vogue Italy, France and the United States and then toured the world, are his most precious legacy. Along with his foundation of the same namededicated to the promotion of photographic culture through the support of young talents and the safeguarding of photography as a means of expression. Which will continue to carry out its mission, now also in honor of the artist.
Monica Bellucci in black and white. (courtesy of the Gian Paolo Barbieri Foundation)
The farewell of the Gian Paolo Barbieri Foundation
The photographer’s passing has been announced from the its Foundation: «Barbieri, born in 1935, leaves an unparalleled artistic legacy, which has marked the history of international fashion and photography. With his lens, Barbieri was able to convey not only the elegance and charm of his models, but also the soul of Italian fashion, elevating it to an art form”, they wrote, adding: “With his disappearance, we lose not only a master, but also a man who dedicated his life to beauty, creativity and the pursuit of artistic perfection.
Self-portrait. (Courtesy of Gian Paolo Barbieri Foundation)
The Gian Paolo Barbieri Foundation will continue to carry out its mission, honoring the memory and work of an artist who was able to make what he photographed eternal.
Goodbye Gian Paolo.
Your art will continue to inspire the world.”
Farewell to the granddaughter
Hello uncle,
You were a second father to me, a precious guide who accompanied me in many moments of my life. You conveyed to me your passion for beautiful things such as nature and aesthetic beauty.
In addition to moral values, you have given me an immense aesthetic legacy, teaching me to look at the world with curious eyes full of wonder.
Those lessons, those shared moments, I will keep in my heart for the rest of my days.
You were not only a life teacher but also a fundamental part of me. Your love, your teachings and your memory will live on in me and in all those who were lucky enough to know you
I will always take you with me uncle. I will love you forever.
Have a good trip
Your Jade
Fashion will miss Gian Paolo Barbieribut his work will continue to bear witness to the elegance he was able to infuse into every shot. Deep, incisive and elegant: it will long remain a point of reference for future generations. As well as one of the greatest national creatives.
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