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An iconic retrospective of fashion photography

Rico Puhlmann: Berlin / New York captures the glamour, complexity and evolution of fashion across
decades. This exhibition, running from 27 June 2025 to 15 February 2026 at
the Museum für Fotografie, offers a captivating look at the life and
legacy of one of the most influential fashion photographers of the 20th
century. Puhlmann's work vividly chronicles the fashion zeitgeist in post-war
Berlin and later in New York City – two cities that shaped and were shaped by
his iconic lens.



Rico Puhlmann – Berlin / New York at a glance


Born in 1934, Puhlmann was a visionary who bridged the worlds of fashion, beauty and cultural identity. He started out as a child actor before transitioning to become a celebrated fashion illustrator and later a globally renowned fashion photographer. His work graced the covers of esteemed magazines like Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Petra and GQ, capturing iconic images that celebrated, critiqued and redefined fashion aesthetics.  

This exhibit presents a retrospective of Puhlmann's work in vivid detail. Evolving trends and cultural narratives, from the legendary Berlin chic of the post-war era to the American sportswear movement of the 1970s, are visually documented in his photographs. The collection is a reflection of the human experience and the way we approach beauty, identity and shifting gender roles.


Rico Puhlmann – Berlin / New York highlights


  • Post-war era Berlin chic: Witness the rebirth of Berlin fashion, its courage and style emerging from a city in recovery.   
  • 1970s New York sportswear: Discover the laid-back yet energetic spirit of New York City during one of its most exciting fashion periods.   
  • Portraits and fashion icons: Explore the evolving portrayal of models and fashion icons who became household names through Puhlmann's work.    Evolution of gender identity in fashion: Puhlmann documented the changing ideals of masculinity and femininity, marking significant shifts in how society perceived gender.    Behind the lens: The photographer's collaboration with editors, stylists and make-up artists reveals the complex, often hidden network that makes an iconic image possible.


Discover Rico Puhlmann – Berlin / New York

Puhlmann's photography career spanned over four decades, and during this time, he reshaped the visual landscape of fashion. His images told stories about cultural shifts and the social undercurrents shaping the decades. The post-war Berlin photographs highlight a city striving for reinvention, resilience and glamour despite the challenges of recovery. The New York collections illustrate the rise of individualism, street culture and the bold redefinitions of beauty and identity.

His work offers a unique opportunity to understand the collaborative nature of fashion photography in the pre-digital age, when every image had to be perfect, as there were no second chances or retouching software. Puhlmann's meticulous approach gives insight into the creativity, vision and craft of a photographer who shaped global perceptions of style.


Top tips for Rico Puhlmann – Berlin / New York

  • Tickets can be purchased online through the website of the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin. Discounts are available for students, seniors and visitors with disabilities – be sure to bring valid identification.   
  • The Museum für Fotografie is conveniently accessible via public transport. Take the underground to Kurfürstendamm or the S-Bahn to Zoologischer Garten and walk just a few minutes to reach the venue.   
  • Parking in the area is quite limited, so public transport is highly recommended.
  • The museum is fully accessible, with lifts and accessible restrooms available for those with mobility needs.

Additional information
Opening hours
Mon closed
Tue - Fri 10:00 - 18:00
Sat + Sun 11:00 - 18:00
Dates
July 2025
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