Michel Haddi was born in 1956 in Paris, France, to a French soldier he never knew and an Algerian Muslim mother. He had a turbulent childhood and spent time in an orphanage. During this period, he developed a fascination with copies of Vogue Magazine that his mother brought him, which sparked his dream of becoming a photographer.
After assisting various photographers, Haddi opened his first studio in 1980, marking the beginning of his career in photography. He quickly began collaborating with famous magazines and building his reputation in the fashion industry.
In 1985, Haddi’s career took a significant turn when he met Franca Sozzani, the Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Italia. She recognized his talent and invited him to join her team. This marked the start of Haddi’s extensive editorial collaborations with prestigious magazines in Europe, Asia, and the USA.
Throughout his career, Haddi worked with renowned publications such as Italian Vogue, Italian Glamour, Uomo Vogue, French Vogue, Vogue Homme, British Vogue, Mademoiselle, Tatler, GQ, Allure, Vanity Fair, The Face, Arena, Interview, Details, Rolling Stone, Vibe, Elle, Premiere, Stern, The Sunday Times, The Washington Post, Harper’s Bazaar, and Marie Claire Germany. His photographs graced the pages of these influential magazines, solidifying his position as one of the leading photographers in the fashion industry.In addition to his editorial work, Haddi made a name for himself in the world of advertising photography. He captured the essence of numerous renowned brands in his campaigns, including Armani, Yves Saint-Laurent, Emilio Pucci, Lancetti, Replay, Lee Jeans, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, Bloomingdales, Guerlain, Rochas, Milano Fontana1915, and many others.
As a multi-talented artist, Haddi expanded his creative pursuits beyond photography. He ventured into film direction and established a publishing house, MHS Publishing, based in London. This publishing house focuses on releasing his own books, including titles such as Acid in Wonderland, Surf and Turf in Tahiti, Paris: Dream on Baby, Berlin: The Beat Goes On, Rio: Boum Boum on the Beach, Made in USA, I Love America Don’t You, Blue A Whipping, Delight, JP Gaultier Happy Birthday, Glamour Puss, 1001 Nights, Milano Centrale, and the Fighter’s Song.
Currently, Michel Haddi resides in London, where he continues to create stunning photography, direct films, and oversee his publishing endeavors through MHS Publishing. His extensive body of work and illustrious career have left an indelible mark on the fashion and photography industry, cementing his status as a respected and influential figure in the field.