Ellen von Unwerth, born in 1954 in Germany, rose to prominence with her iconic Guess campaign in the early 1990s, followed by high-profile collaborations with brands such as Dior, Chanel, Victoria’s Secret, and Mercedes-Benz. A regular contributor to renowned magazines like Vogue, Vanity Fair, and ELLE, she is celebrated for her sensual and dynamic photography, often focused on themes of femininity and empowerment. Von Unwerth has also directed short films, commercials, and music videos for prominent clients, further showcasing her versatile talent in visual storytelling.
Her published works, including Snaps (1994), Revenge (2003), and Heimat (2017), form a significant part of her artistic legacy. Her photography has been exhibited worldwide and featured in major collections, with her retrospective “Devotion! 30 Years of Photographing Women” headlining Fotografiska Stockholm in 2018 and touring internationally. Recognized with prestigious awards, including the International Festival of Fashion Photography’s first prize (1991) and the LUCIE Award for career achievement (2019), von Unwerth continues to be a trailblazer in fashion and art photography.