In September, I was invited to interview Sam Haskins for a fashion website I was writing for at the time. I was truly floored that I would be getting to talk to this photography legend in person, even though, I will confess, this was my first introduction to Sam Haskins besides the few photos I'd seen from Tommy Hilfiger ads and the Cowboy Kate images I've seen on other stylist's walls.
In what was being called his "rock star moment", Mr, Haskins was to be part of exhibition opening and the launch of the new book, "Fashion Etc." in collaboration with Tommy Hilfiger.
A day or two before the event, Mr. Haskins fell victim to a stroke and was unable to attend. I went to the opening anyway. I circled the entire gallery, and so much of his work caused me to stop and stare. I flipped through a copy of Cowboy Kate, went back to the beginning, started page by page and then pretty much hogged the book for a good amount of time. Looking at his work it became clear to me how much influence his art had on the fashion world. A stylist that I had just worked for based her whole personal style on Cowboy Kate and Other Stories, at least that's what it seemed like to me with the way she does her eye make-up to her love of tall black hats. (Mr. Haskins shot this book before myself or the stylist were even born)
It's a bit ironic, because according to the biography I received at the exhibition, he never intended to be a "fashion photographer." Many copied his work and his style, which he looked at less as flattery and more as a lack of regard. But then in 2001, fashion publications rediscovered his work and he began shooting for French Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Allure, New York and Le Monde.
The Fashion Etc. book was Sam Haskins first collaboration with a fashion designer. “As a rule, similar projects seldom evolved into such a broad collaboration as this one with Tommy Hilfiger,” Haskins told WWD in June. “My many prior undertakings with paper mills, camera manufacturers and such usually did not amount to much more than producing a calendar and an exhibition. I had simultaneous offers for collaboration on this project. Since I have admired Tommy’s clothing for many years and his proposal was so overwhelmingly warm and human, there was no contest.”
He undoubtedly will continue to be one of the most influential photographers to those in the craft, along with designers and artists.
Sam was expected to make a full recovery from the stroke in September. His son Ludwig says he also suspects that he had another small stroke upon returning to his home in Australia. The illness caused him to become depressed and to take his own life.
He is survived by his sons, Ludwig and Konrad and by his wife, Alida.
Read the Sam Haskins Blog
Visit Sam Haskin's Site
All About "Cowboy Kate and Other Stories"
"Fashion Etc" Book
