Gilles Bensimon

Gilles Francis Charles Bensimon (French: [ʒil bɛ̃simɔ̃]; born 29 February 1944) is a French fashion photographer and the former International Creative Director of Elle magazine. He has also been the photographer for the reality television series America's Next Top Model.^[1]

Gilles Bensimon
Bensimon in 2007 by Christopher Peterson
Born	Gilles Francis Charles Bensimon (1944-02-29) February 29, 1944 (age 81) Vic-sur-Cère, Cantal, France
Occupation	fashion photographer
Known for	International Creative Director of Elle magazine
Spouses	Pacha ​ ​ (divorced)​ Elle MacPherson ​ ​ (m. 1986; div. 1989)​ Kelly Killoren ​ ​ (m. 1997; div. 2007)​
Children	3

Early life

Bensimon was born in Vic-sur-Cère in Cantal, France.^[2] He had advanced dyslexia, and his mother suggested that he pursue a career in art to better express himself.^[2] While living in Paris, he joined the French Elle magazine in 1967 and helped launch American Elle two years later. He photographed models such as Christy Turlington, Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell.^[3]

Career

As the International Creative Director and Head Photographer for Elle magazine, Bensimon helped the publication reach a global audience of 20 million readers.^[4] He is known as a celebrity photographer, with a portfolio that includes leading models and celebrities such as Gisele Bündchen, Madonna, Beyoncé and Uma Thurman. He has also worked with cosmetic brands like Kohl's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Maybelline and Clarins.

Personal life

Gilles Bensimon had a child with his first wife, Pacha. The marriage ended in divorce before a short-lived marriage to the Australian model Elle Macpherson. He married a third time in 1997 to Kelly Killoren. They had two children and the marriage ended in divorce in 2007.^[5][6]