Michel Haddi’s iconic images of Kate Moss at the nascence of her career made him famous; Kate Moss, British GQ, NY, 1991 – photo by @michelhaddistudio
Michel Haddi’s instantly recognizable photographs feature those who have punctuated the history of fashion, film, and music. His work is an endless archive of famous faces, top models, icons, and legends.
David Bowie, The Peninsula Hotel, LA, 1993, Interview Magazine, photo by @michelhaddistudio
Michel has worked with some of the biggest names in fashion and entertainment, including Clint Eastwood, Martin Scorsese, David Bowie, Liza Minelli, Uma Thurman, Sean Connery, Jean-Paul Belmondo, Francis Ford Coppola, Marisa Berenson, Naomi Campbell, Verushka, Tupac Shapur, Cameron Diaz, Faye Dunaway, Nicholas Cage, Johnny Depp, Heath Ledger, Angelina Jolie, Janet Jackson, and Jennifer Lopez to name a few.
Kate Moss for GQ, New York, 1991, @michelhaddistudio
Haddi’s iconic images of Kate Moss at the nascence of her career not only made him famous but also significantly shaped the fashion industry’s perception of Moss. These images are a testament to Haddi’s ability to capture the essence of his subjects, even at the early stages of their careers.
“Haddi has been able to capture the zeitgeist, always maintaining an intimate and personal touch in which we can glimpse the true essence of the subjects he portrayed and his story and his desire of becoming a photographer, nurtured throughout his turbulent childhood.” — Vogue Magazine
Waris Dirie, L’Officiel Austria Winter Issue, 2024, photo by @michelhaddistudio
Haddi’s editorial collaborations include the most important magazines in Europe, Asia, and the USA. Most recently, Haddi photographed Waris Dirie for L’Officiel Austria’s Winter 2024 issue: The Empowerment Issue. The cover and inside pages feature the former supermodel, author, and activist known for her unwavering commitment to women’s rights.
Sinead O’Connor & Jean Paul Gaultier, British Vogue, photo by @michelhaddistudio
The French-born London-based photographer is perhaps best known for his disarmingly gritty, intimate, provocative celebrity portraits done predominantly in black and white black.
Throughout his career, Haddi has been celebrated for his unique ability to see past the façade of celebrity and tap into the raw, authentic nature of his subjects. Michel’s subjects are typically shot with minimum staging, often in movement and slightly off-guard, creating a sense of authenticity.
Spontaneity is a key element in Michel’s work, a highly valued quality. Rooted in the present while remaining respectful of the past, Michel believes that as a photographer, one must feel the person before them and quickly develop an idea that works. Each image must have a meaning, a purpose, and a story to tell.
In October 2023, Haddi’s work was featured at Photo London, the international photography fair. Michel’s diverse work was celebrated in a major solo exhibition, “Michel Haddi: Beyond Fashion,” at 29 Arts in Progress Gallery in Milan. The first ran from October 19th to December 22nd, 2023, and the second from January 16th to March 16th, 2024.
Rick Owens, photo by @michelhaddistudio
Haddi manages a publishing house, MHS Publishing, based in London, which publishes his books. First published in 2017, Michel Haddi created a series of beautifully designed collectible books celebrating iconic figures titled “The Legend.” “There are no advertisements; that’s what ruined fashion magazines,” opines Michel about the collection of artistic tributes to his subjects.
Marilyn Kirschner, photo by @michaelhaddistudio
Each book is hefty at 17 3/4 inches x 12, beautifully designed by creative director Roberto da Pozzo, and printed with the highest-quality materials by Design Press in Germany.
Michel Haddi, photo by Sarah Coldron
Michel was in New York this past October shooting for his upcoming film “The Legend by Michel Haddi—New York Stories, due out later this year. Michel and Sarah Coldron, his wife and business partner, stayed at the Hotel Chelsea. Haddi lived right behind the iconic hotel in the early 1990s.
During 15 days of nonstop shooting organized by close friend Nicole Fischelis, Michel photographed about 20 “amazing, talented people” in well-known locations around town.
I was honored that Michel wanted to include me in the tome along with fashion designers Frederick Anderson and Anna Sui, Amy Fine Collins, Kara Young, Kim Williams, Freddie Lieba, MAO PR honchos Mauricio and Roger Padilha, and iconic model Alva Chinn, among others.
Martin Scorsese, photo by @michelhaddistudio
While living in the US, Michel photographed many high-profile celebrities, including Isabella Rossellini, Martin Scorsese, Denzel Washington, Debbie Harry, Patti LaBelle, and the late Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. Their images will also be included in the book.
Michel often wonders how he could have ended up as a photographer, having been raised in an orphanage from age four. Michel was born in 1956 in Paris to a French soldier father he never knew and a Moroccan-born Arabic mother.
Haddi moved between foster homes until the age of six and eventually ended up at the Sisters of Saint Vincent de Paul Orphanage in the French capital. During this time, Michel’s mother brought him copies of Vogue, which fascinated him throughout his childhood.
Piqued by a particular shot by Helmut Newton, Michel was inspired to leave the city and become a photographer. His stroke of luck was working as a waiter in a gay restaurant in Paris, where he met Grace Jones, artists, models, and fashion designers.
Naomi Campbell British Vogue Paris-1989, photo by@michelhaddistudio
Once back in London, Michel met his lifelong mentor, Victor Herbert, who set him on the path to success. In 1980, Haddi opened his first studio and began collaborating with famous magazines such as British Vogue and American GQ.
Michel admits he often transgresses the rules, marches to his own beat, and can be seen as eccentric and complex. Coincidentally, Michel’s name was initially spelled Adi. He points out that in Hebrew, it means “jewel” or “my witness,” and in Arabic, it means “the guide.” “So I suppose I’m a jewel, an eccentric, a witness, and a guide of my short time on earth.”
The best advice Michel ever received was from photographer Peter Knapp, who said, “You must do at all costs only what you like, and no one should tell you what to do.” Michel is proud to say that he has upheld that motto.
Latest Comments:
You beautifully, tastefully, and rightfully said it all. I do think Melania’s Adviser Herve Pierre influences her choices.
Fascinating article–fascinating man! Thanks, Marilyn!
Love my portrait Thank you Michel Haddi!!!!
Such a fun and bold take on fashion! Love how this collection brings a fresh, playful energy to the scene.
Beautifully written with fashion, identity, and branding intelligence!
Fascinating article–fascinating man! Thanks, Marilyn!
Love my portrait
Thank you Michel Haddi!!!!