Talking about Gilles Bensimon feels like diving into a lush, vibrant world of the fashion world. This man, a titan in French fashion photography and once the International Creative Director of Elle magazine, has an intriguing story, marked by his professional achievements and his personal life’s twists and turns.
Let’s start with a number that might catch your eye: Bensimon has a net worth of $20 million. It’s not just about the money, though. His journey, brief marriage to supermodel Elle Macpherson, and role in America’s Next Top Model add layers to his fascinating character.
Imagine having your work displayed in places like the International Center of Photography in New York or the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. Bensimon has achieved that by showcasing his talent on a global stage. His ability to capture the essence of fashion’s most prominent figures is remarkable.
Gilles Bensimon Net Worth
Renowned French fashion photographer Gilles Bensimon has a net worth of $20 million and has succeeded in both the fashion and photography industries.
Gilles Bensimon collaborated with prominent fashion designers, models, and celebrities throughout his career, capturing their unique essence through his unparalleled photography style.
His story takes us back to a 1.25-acre property in East Hampton, which he bought for $700,000 in 1994. The mansion he and his wife Kelly built there reflects his success, though it’s bittersweet, given it changed hands after their divorce in 2007. Kelly became the owner and sold the 5,800-square-foot mansion in 2012.
He played a key role in launching the careers of supermodels like Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, and Tyra Banks by featuring them on the covers and pages of the magazine. He didn’t just take photos; he helped launch legends.
And his creative works, which have sold for as much as $9,000, reflect his artistry and the esteem in which his work is held.
According to invaluable.com, his creative works have been sold for as low as $200 and as high as $9,000. His highest-sold lot was Flower in Water, 7931, 2012 archival pigment.
Profile Summary
| Net Worth | $20 million |
| Name | Gilles Francis Charles Bensimon |
| Age | 80 years old |
| Date of Birth | February 29, 1944 |
| Place of Birth | Vic-sur-Cère, Cantal, France |
| Nationality | French |
| Profession | Fashion Photographer |
| Ex-Wife | Kelly Killoren Pacha Elle Macpherson |
Early Life
Gilles Francis Charles Bensimon was born into an artistic in Vic-sur-Cère, Cantal, France, under the unique circumstance of being born on February 29, 1944. His father was a painter, and his mother a sculptor. Despite his advanced dyslexia, his mother motivated him to explore art for self-expression.
His entrance into life was marked by the rare phenomenon of leap day, making him a “leapling.” This peculiarity means he only gets to celebrate his actual birth date once every four years. In the years in between, Gilles opts to celebrate on March 1st.
Gilles attended the renowned École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he studied photography before starting his successful career as a professional photographer.
Career
Starting in the early ’70s, Gilles Bensimon’s career in the fashion world has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, filled with highs and lows, much like his personal life. From his forced military service to his first big break in photography, each chapter of his life contributes to the legend he is today. Working with giants of the fashion world and partnering with major cosmetic brands.
Before his successful photography career, Bensimon served in the military during the Algerian War. On his birthday, he shared a picture of his military time in his Instagram post.
At first, he didn’t intend to join the military. Instead, he wanted to go on a holiday to Corsica and work at Club Méditerranée there. However, the gendarmerie later forced him into military service and punished him with 60 days in jail.
After serving in the military, he married Pacha, an Elle beautician who cared for him after he fell ill. She also bought him his first Hasselblad camera. His first huge photography gig came from Rudi Waldvogel, where he was contracted to do a 45-page magazine. The first thing he did after receiving payment for that gig was buy a yellow and chrome 441 BSA Victor Special, which is only available through auction these days.
In the early 1970s, Bensimon started his career as a fashion photographer, working on advertising and editorial projects. By 1985, he became Elle magazine’s International Creative Director and Head Photographer.
Under his leadership, Elle reached a global audience of 20 million readers. Known for photographing celebrities, his portfolio includes top models and stars like Gisele Bündchen, Madonna, Beyoncé, and Uma Thurman.
Bensimon also partners with cosmetic brands such as Kohl’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Maybelline, and Clarins.
Exhibitions & Award
Gilles Bensimon’s work has been featured in prestigious galleries and museums worldwide, such as the International Center of Photography in New York and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris.
His notable contributions to the fashion and photography industries have earned him various accolades, including the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, the H&M Fashion Photographer award at the ELLE Style Awards 2007, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Fashion Group International in 2003.
Personal Life
Gilles Bensimon had a child with his first wife, Pacha, but they later divorced.
After a short marriage to Australian model Elle Macpherson, he married Kelly Killoren in 1997. They had two children together before divorcing in 2007