William Klein, innovator and master of fashion photography, dies aged 96

In a long multi-interested career always opting for transgression and experimentation, he revolutionized photography by bringing haute couture to the streets

William Klein, one of the most unique photographers of the 20th century, innovator and master of fashion and urban photography, as well as filmmaker and painter, died last Saturday in Paris at the age of 96, his son Pierre confirmed on Monday. In a long, multi-interested career always embracing transgression and experimentation, Klein revolutionized photography by bringing haute couture to the streets and with striking images that reflected the frenzy and violence of major cities.

Born on April 19, 1926 in New York to an Orthodox Jewish family, the young discovered Little Europe during his military service. Demobilized in Paris in 1946, he devoted himself to painting after World War II and settled in France with his future wife, Jeanne Florin, who died in 2005.

He worked for the major fashion and current affairs magazines of the second half of the 20th century, making several films, documentaries or fiction, and over 250 advertisements. His book ‘New York’ (1957) is a milestone in the history of photography. The Big Apple was one of his areas of interest, although he also portrayed other large cities such as Rome, Moscow or Tokyo. Among his films are titles like ‘Mister Freedom’ (1968) or ‘Who are you, Polly Maggoo?’ (1966). He collaborated with other filmmakers such as Federico Fellini or Louis Malle, and portrayed great figures of French music such as Serge Gainsbourg.

He received awards such as the Grand National Prize of France, the Hasselblad, awarded in Sweden and considered the Nobel Prize for the photograph, or that of the American Institute of Arts for his entire career.

Source: La Verdad

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