Pauline de Rothschild by Horst P. Horst

Horst P. Horst, born Horst Paul Bohrmann on August 14, 1906, in Weißenfels-an-der-Saale, Germany, was a master of fashion photography whose iconic images redefined the genre. Initially studying architecture under Le Corbusier in Paris in 1930, Horst’s career pivoted to photography when he began working for Vogue in 1931. His collaboration with the magazine led to an enduring relationship with fashion and high society, particularly after his move to New York in 1937. There, he forged a long-term professional bond with Coco Chanel.

Horst’s artistic approach blended elements of Surrealism and Neoclassicism, infusing his fashion imagery with a sense of mystery and reverence for classical Greek beauty ideals. His compositions, which focused on form, light, and sensuality, elevated fashion photography to a new level of artistic expression. In addition to his high-profile fashion shoots, Horst’s portfolio included portraits of icons such as Consuelo Vanderbilt, Gloria Guinness, and the Rothschilds.

His work has been showcased in major exhibitions worldwide and is part of permanent collections at institutions such as the Victoria & Albert Museum, The Museum of Modern Art, and the Louvre. Horst received numerous accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America and the Master of Photography Award from the International Center of Photography.