Gilles Bensimon
Profile Summary: Gilles Bensimon
- Full Name: Gilles Bensimon
- Birthday: February 29, 1944 🎂
- Age: 81 years old (as of 2025)
- Birthplace: Vic-Sur-Cère, Cantal, France
- Nationality: French
- Ethnicity: Jewish
- Zodiac Sign: Pisces ♓
Family Life
Spouse & Children:
- First Wife: Pascha – Married and had one child together. Details about their marriage and separation remain undisclosed.
- Second Wife: Elle Macpherson – Australian actress and model; married in 1986, separated in 1989 after three years of marriage.
- Third Wife: Kelly Bensimon – American actress; married in 1997, divorced in 2007 after a decade together.
- Children:
- Thadeus Ann Bensimon – Daughter
- Sea Louise Bensimon – Daughter
- Children:
Personal Life:
- Known for maintaining a private personal life, focusing primarily on his career and family.
- Shares a close bond with his children, balancing his professional endeavors with family responsibilities.
Education
- Attended art school in France before joining the army, laying the foundation for his artistic and creative pursuits.
Career Highlights
Professional Background
- Primary Professions: Fashion Photographer, Creative Director
Early Career:
- Began his career working for fashion magazines in France, quickly establishing himself as a talented photographer.
- Joined Elle magazine in Paris in 1967, where he worked for two years before moving to the USA.
Breakthrough Role:
- Rose to prominence as the International Creative Director of Elle magazine, helping launch its American version in 1969.
Notable Achievements:
- Photography Career:
- Worked with iconic models and celebrities, including Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington, Madonna, and Keira Knightley.
- Contributed to the success of America’s Next Top Model, further solidifying his reputation in the fashion industry.
- Artistic Projects:
- Developed a passion for water and flowers, leading to his Watercolour series (2011 ), a significant departure from his earlier figurative works.
- The project involved photographing floral arrangements floating in pools, resulting in stunning images that combined vibrant colors and fluid movements.
- Legacy in Photography:
- Celebrated as one of the most influential photographers in the fashion industry, known for his ability to capture beauty and emotion through his lens.
- Recognized for his contributions to Elle magazine, elevating its status globally during his tenure as Creative Director.
Trivia/Facts
- Born under the zodiac sign Pisces, symbolizing creativity, sensitivity, and adaptability.
- Of Jewish descent, reflecting his diverse cultural heritage.
- Hails from Vic-Sur-Cère, Cantal, France, a region known for its natural beauty and artistic inspiration.
- Comes from a family of art dealers and artists, which influenced his creative journey.
Legacy
Gilles Bensimon is a French fashion photographer and creative director celebrated for his dynamic contributions to the fashion industry. Born in Vic-Sur-Cère, Cantal, France, he developed a passion for art and photography early in life, attending art school and working for prestigious fashion magazines.
His breakthrough came as the International Creative Director of Elle magazine , where he played a pivotal role in launching its American version in 1969. Over the years, Gilles delivered standout work as a photographer, capturing iconic images of models and celebrities like Cindy Crawford , Madonna , and Keira Knightley , solidifying his reputation as a trailblazer in the industry.
In addition to his commercial success, Gilles has made significant strides as an artist, exploring themes of water and flowers in his Watercolour series (2011). His ability to blend art, literature, and photography highlights his dedication to his craft and his unique vision.
Gilles continues to inspire fans with his resilience, creativity, and determination to succeed. Whether through his roles as a photographer, creative director, or artist, he remains a respected figure, leaving a lasting legacy as a trailblazer for photographers and creatives worldwide. 🌟📸✨
