George Hoyningen-Huene photographing Rita Hayworth, 1943. Photo by Philippe Halsman
George Hoyningen-Huene is acknowledged as one of the most iconic pioneers in the genre of fashion photography. His elegant pared down style has had a dramatic impact on fashion houses around the world and his work continues to have relevance today, as someone who created some of the most striking photographic portraits and compositions of the twentieth century.
Divers, Horst and Lee Miller, Paris, 1930
When asked to choose her favorite Vogue photographs, Anna Wintour included Huene’s The Divers (July 1930). She also selected images by Edward Steichen, Horst P Horst, Irving Penn and Cecil Beaton. At the centre of this circle of international photographers, was Huene. This gifted group would help to create the look and style of the 1930’s era, and beyond. Also included, were photographers Richard Avedon, Henri Cartier-Bresson, and Lee Miller, all of whom were active supporters of the human rights movement. Huene was one of the first fashion photographers to use male models in photo shoots.
George Hoyningen-Huene will be remembered for his unmatched talent for balancing color, form, light, shadow, and the pared-back look of his images. Many of his timeless photographic masterpieces are in the collections of the world’s leading museums, including the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), NYC.
Ernor Carise with a Hula Hoop, 1930
This is where we share our favourite George Hoyningen-Huene photographs and latest discoveries from the archive.
Dr Lucy Fife Donaldson
An account of George Hoyningen-Huene's contribution and collaborations with George Cukor, Gene Allen and Orry-Kelly. This essay is published in Movie: A Journal of Film Criticism, issue 10. Click here to read the accompanying essay statement.
