Stunning Fashion Photography in 1960s by Gian Paolo Barbieri

Gian Paolo Barbieri was born in Milan in 1938. In 1965, he began his collaboration with Vogue Italia and with many fashion designers. By 1978, Stern was ranking him as one of the 14 best fashion photographers in the world and in 1982, he published his first book Artificial.

Fashion photography in 1960s by Gian Paolo Barbieri

During his travels for Vogue, Barbieri came into contact with other cultures that fascinated him: in Tahiti he discovered the topics of his imagination, transmitted to him by Gauguin’s paintings and also the written accounts found in Melville and Cook. Besides this mythical “lost” world, he also discovered people both open and innocent who shared with him the mysterious ritual of tattooing.

After visiting archaic Madagascar and Tahiti, Barbieri finally discovered the Garden of Eden in the Seychelles, sensually photographed in the book Equator. The only absolute ruler here is the sun, casting patterns on naked skin through the palm fronds, or perhaps the Trade Winds that stir the almond trees.

Barbieri now lives and works in Milan. These stunning photos are part of his work from the 1960s.

Isa Stoppi, photo by Gian Paolo Barbieri, Vogue Italia, 1964

Mariolina Della Gatta make-up and styled by Nando Chiesa, jewelry by Lydia Toppo, photo by Gian Paolo Barbieri, Milan, 1964

Mariolina Della Gatta in make-up and styled by Nando Chiesa, photo by Gian Paolo Barbieri, circa 1965

Benedetta Barzini, make-up and styled by Nando Chiesa, photo by Gian Paolo Barbieri for Vogue Italia, December 1966

Mirella Petteni in colorful rose print coat banded in mink by Valentino, photo by Gian Paolo Barbieri, Linea Italia, Autumn, 1966

Alberta Tiburzi in a cape dress with beaded trim by Casalino Tricot, photo by Gian Paolo Barbieri, 1967

Alberta Tiburzi is wearing beaded cap by Mila Schön, photo by Gian Paolo Barbieri, Vogue Italia, November 1967

Alberta Tiburzi, photo by Gian Paolo Barbieri, 1967

Mirella in the desert, photo by Gian Paolo Barbieri, Linea Italia, 1967

Mirella Petteni in silk tunic, pants and turban by Pucci, Spring/Summer 1967 Collection, photo by Gian Paolo Barbieri

Mirella Petteni in tunic and trousers by Valentino Couture Spring/Summer 1967, photo by Gian Paolo Barbieri

Mirella Petteni, Valentino Couture Spring/Summer Collection 1967, photo by Gian Paolo Barbieri.

Mirella Petteni, Valentino Couture Spring/Summer Collection 1967, photo by Gian Paolo Barbieri

Alberta Tiburzi in plaid coat by Galitzine, photo by Gian Paolo Barbieri, Linea Italia, 1968

Barbara Carrera, jewelry by Coppola e Toppo, photo by Gian Paolo Barbieri, Vogue Italia, November 1968

Benedetta Barzini, photo by Gian Paolo Barbieri, circa 1968

Diane is wearing silk crêpe jumpsuit with wide harem pants by Pucci from his 1968 Spring/Summer collection, photo by Gian Paolo Barbieri

Diane is wearing silk harem pants with jewelled cuffs and flowing chiffon tunic by Pucci from his 1968 Spring/Summer collection, photo by Gian Paolo Barbieri

Diane was wearing creations of Pucci, for his collection of Spring/Summer 1968, photo by Gian Paolo Barbieri

Mirella Petteni in coat from Givenchy Spring/Summer Collection of 1968, photo by Gian Paolo Barbieri

Mirella Petteni in swirls of purple and violet silk chiffon by Galitzine, photo by Gian Paolo Barbieri, circa 1968

Mirella Petteni, jewelry by Coppola e Toppo, photo by Gian Paolo Barbieri, 1968

Berkley Johnson, diamond brooch by Bulgari, photo by Gian Paolo Barbieri, Vogue US, October 15, 1969

Ivana Bastianello and Mirella Petteni in tops and widelegged trousers by Lancetti, photo by Gian Paolo Barbieri, Vogue Italia, March 1969

Ivana Bastianello in coral print satin tunic worn over red crepe pants by Valentino, photo by Gian Paolo Barbieri, circa 1969

Ivana Bastianello, photo by Gian Paolo Barbieri, circa 1969

Marisa Berenson photographed by Gian Paolo Barbieri for a Beauty Editorial in Vogue US, 1969

Mirella Petteni, jewelry by Coppola e Toppo for Valentino for his Spring/Summer collection of 1969, photo by Gian Paolo Barbieri

Actress Lilly Bistrattin, make-up and styled by Nando Chiesa, photo by Gian Paolo Barbieri, circa 1960s

Ivana Bastianello in evening ensemble by Casalino Tricot, photo by Gian Paolo Barbieri, circa 1960s

Ivana Bastianello, jewelry by Coppola e Toppo, photo by Gian Paolo Barbieri, circa 1960s

Ivana Bastianello, make-up and styled by Nando Chiesa, photo by Gian Paolo Barbieri, circa 1960s

Marina Schiano, photo by Gian Paolo Barbieri, circa 1960s

Mariolina Della Gatta, jewelry by Coppola e Toppo, photo by Gian Paolo Barbieri, circa 1960s

Mariolina Della Gatta, photo by Gian Paolo Barbieri for the National Silk Advertising Campaign, circa 1960s

Mariolina Della Gatta, photo by Gian Paolo Barbieri, circa 1960s

Mirella Petteni in coat by Valentino, photo by Gian Paolo Barbieri, circa 1960s

Mirella Petteni in Valentino, jewelry by Coppola e Toppo, photo by Gian Paolo Barbieri, circa 1960s

Mirella Petteni in Valentino, photo by Gian Paolo Barbieri, circa 1960s

Susan Robinson in dyed green fox fur coat, photo by Gian Paolo Barbieri, circa 1960s

(Photo © Gian Paolo Barbieri)