Roxanne Lowit

Jean-Michel Basquiat

1985

Photographer Roxanne Lowit was at the forefront of recording modern culture for more than four decades. With her camera, she captured the grit within the glamor, bringing out the truest essence of each subject. 

Lowit had no formal training in photography. She graduated from New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology with a degree in art history and textile design. She had a successful career as a designer, but also had a penchant for painting. Many people offered to sit for her paintings, but her busy schedule did not allow for lengthy sessions. Instead, she would take photographs to use as references when she had time to work on her art. 

She enjoyed the instant gratification of producing an image through the lens. She began her photography practice in earnest at New York fashion shows, taking pictures of her own designs. Soon, models such as Jerry Hall were inviting her backstage to the shows. Her behind-the-scenes shots catapulted her into icon status in the fashion industry.

She later expanded her focus beyond fashion. Throughout her illustrious career, Lowit photographed world-famous cultural figures, like American Pop artist Andy Warhol, Spanish Surrealist painter Salvador Dalí and American singer Madonna.

Many prestigious venues have displayed Lowit’s work, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Andy Warhol Museum. Her work is part of the permanent collection of Japan’s Kobe Fashion Museum. 

The American, French, German and Italian editions of Vogue all included Lowit’s photographs on their pages, as did many other notable publications, including GQ and Vanity Fair. Lowit produced advertising work for many major companies, including Armani, De Beers and Land Rover. Lowit published four books of her photography, including Roxanne Lowit Photographs Yves Saint Laurent in 2014. She died in 2022.

On 1stDibs, find Roxanne Lowit’s portrait, color and black and white photography.