The famous American photographer, a specialist in portraits of the stars and contributor to the biggest American magazines (Rolling Stone, Vogue, Vanity Fair), was admitted as one of the 16 foreign members of the French institution. Anna Wintour, with whom she has worked for many years at Vogue magazine, presented her with her sword, the must-have accessory of the academy, and tailored her speech… Nicolas Ghesquière, Louis Vuitton’s designer, had designed her costume.
Like some of her photos, Annie Leibovitz is now “Immortal”… This has nothing to do with transhumanism, but it does have something to do with the nickname given to the academicians of the Institut de France. On March 20, the famous American photographer became a member of the Académie des Beaux-Arts. This is one of the five Academies of the Institut de France, located on the Quai de Conti, which also includes the illustrious Académie française, dedicated to men and women of letters…
For the 74-year-old professional, already the recipient of numerous awards (Prix de la photographie appliquée, ICP, New York, Royal Photographic Society Centenary Medal, Commandeur de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres…), this is the umpteenth recognition of her work, but not the least prestigious…
She is now one of the 67 members of the Académie des Beaux Arts, and its 16 foreign associate members, all of whom have distinguished themselves in the arts of painting, architecture, music, dance and…photography. Installed in chair V, she succeeded the Chinese Ieoh Ming Pei, architect of the Louvre pyramid, who will die in 2019.
A green suit by Nicolas Ghesquière
As befits a photographer who has become as famous as the fashion and cultural personalities etched in her films for Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair and Vogue magazines, Annie Leibovitz made her entrance under the dome of the Institut de France in a “green suit” ….signed by Nicolas Ghesquière.
A successful stylistic exercise for Louis Vuitton’s Artistic Director for Women, who skilfully revamped the basis of this traditional costume dating back to the Napoleonic period. Dressed in a dark blue fabric, embroidered with olive leaves in green and gold silk thread, Annie Leibovitz did not stand out from her Academy peers.
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Featured Photo: © Académie des Beaux-Arts
