Arriving in Paris from Ravenna in 1973, Paolo Roversi produced his first series of photographs in 1977, which were immediately picked up by the fashion press. From then on, he devoted himself to fashion photography, working for the greatest designers and for the most prestigious magazines, simultaneously occupying a position both at the heart of the fashion world and far from its ephemeral trends.
Ultimately in search of pure beauty, Roversi creates timeless and mysterious work, which is shaped by his choice of studio and use of large format and Polaroid cameras. At the heart of his photography are his close relationships with fashion designers and models, most famously with Yohji Yamamoto, as well as Romeo Gigli, Rei Kawakubo, and Dior. These fruitful collaborations have allowed Roversi to continuously challenge and renew his practice.
Reviews
Roversi is…a master of the fashion image that can seem both ephemeral and striking—a distinct perspective.
— Vogue
A good place to discover the artist… A master of fashion photography who embraces accidents… There’s an intimacy and sensitivity to Roversi’s work that never feels exploitative… Roversi’s best fashion pictures feel unresolved, alive—as if they’re still coming together before our eyes.
— The New Yorker
Contributors
Sylvie Lécallier
Author
Sylvie Lécallier graduated in 1993 from the École Nationale Supérieure de la Photographie. Since 2000, she has overseen the Palais Galliera photography collection at the Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris. She is also the author of several books, including Vogue Paris: 100 Years.
Paolo Roversi
Author
