Ellen von Unwerth
Photographer
Scouted on her first day of university, the model turned photographer is known for her seductive imagery, including the world famous Guess campaigns.
Ellen von Unwerth’s career in fashion began accidently on her first day of university in Munich, “As I was walking towards the door to register, a model scout approached me and that was about as far as my university life went!” After modelling in Munich, von Unwerth relocated to Paris to sign with Elite, following a call from John Casablancas. “I modelled all over the world for about 10 years while living in Paris, and then one day, when I was about to leave for another shoot in Kenya, my boyfriend gave me a camera.”
Von Unwerth has now shot for all of the of top fashion publications including Vogue, Vanity Fair, Interview, The Face, Arena, and i-D, and published dozens of books of personal work from exhibitions around the world.
Her photographic career really took off when she landed a Guess campaign, featuring Claudia Schiffer. It was von Unwerth’s photographic style, which focuses on seductive, provocative women in playful scenarios, that would dictate Guess’ infamously provocative advertising campaigns for the next 30 years. She would go on to shoot campaigns for Dior, John Galliano , Ralph Lauren , Thierry Mulger and Uniqlo, and many more.
VITAL STATISTICS
Find out more
Will ‘Uber for Models’ Disrupt the Industry?
New apps like Swipecast connect models eager to maximise their income with clients who want a cheaper and easier alternative to traditional agencies. But will they really change the game?
Will ‘Uber for Models’ Disrupt the Industry?
New apps like Swipecast connect models eager to maximise their income with clients who want a cheaper and easier alternative to traditional agencies. But will they really change the game?
Top 10 Fashion Films of the Season
This season, a wide diversity of fashion films provided evidence that the genre has matured.
Top 10 Fashion Films of the Season
This season, a wide diversity of fashion films provided evidence that the genre has matured.
As Festival Opens, Diane Pernet Discusses the State of Fashion Film
On the occasion of the sixth instalment of "A Shaded View on Fashion Film," held at the Centre Pompidou in Paris, BoF brings you an exclusive look at designer Manish Arora's latest fashion film, 'Holi Holy,' and sits down with the festival’s founder, Diane Pernet, to discuss the state of the medium.
As Festival Opens, Diane Pernet Discusses the State of Fashion Film
On the occasion of the sixth instalment of "A Shaded View on Fashion Film," held at the Centre Pompidou in Paris, BoF brings you an exclusive look at designer Manish Arora's latest fashion film, 'Holi Holy,' and sits down with the festival’s founder, Diane Pernet, to discuss the state of the medium.
Top 10 Fashion Films of the Season
NEW YORK, United States — "Are we failing to fulfil the potential of fashion film?" asked Quynh Mai's Op-Ed for BoF earlier this year, citing
Top 10 Fashion Films of the Season
NEW YORK, United States — "Are we failing to fulfil the potential of fashion film?" asked Quynh Mai's Op-Ed for BoF earlier this year, citing
The Creative Class | Ellen von Unwerth, Photographer
LONDON, United Kingdom — "I love London!" beams photographer and director Ellen von Unwerth in her soft Frankfurt lilt, while holding court at
The Creative Class | Ellen von Unwerth, Photographer
LONDON, United Kingdom — "I love London!" beams photographer and director Ellen von Unwerth in her soft Frankfurt lilt, while holding court at
What is The BoF 500?
The people shaping the global fashion industry, curated by the editors of The Business of Fashion, based on nominations and on-the-ground intelligence from around the world.
