Inside the 2025 Women of the Year Awards portrait studio, celebrating all our worthy winners

Inside the 2025 Women of the Year Awards Portrait Studio

The 2025 Harper's Bazaar Women of the Year Awards marked the fifth consecutive year guests were invited to enter a dreamlike portrait studio, celebrating the special bond between artist and muse. Winners and presenters such as Rosamund Pike, Neneh Cherry, Gillian Anderson, and Jade Thirlwall were photographed in this unique setting.

A Cinematic Collaboration

Photographer Rachel Louise Brown teamed up with set designer Lyndon Ogbourne to create a cinematic environment featuring platinum tones, paying tribute to the evening's sponsor, The Platinum Card® by American Express. This partnership made the creative expression in the studio possible.

Analogue and Digital Imagery

Alongside digital portraits, Brown incorporated an analogue touch with hand-crafted tintypes, blending modern and traditional photography techniques.

Memorable Moments

The studio session began with Reese Witherspoon, honored with the Cultural Icon award, and America Ferrera presenting it to her.
Brown shared,
“It was a wonderful start – they were truly patient with all the methods and techniques we attempted.”
Friends Aimee Lou Wood and Ncuti Gatwa brought energy to the studio by singing Kate Bush's Wuthering Heights while being photographed.
Brown noted,
“I've photographed Aimee twice now for the portrait studio and it's been amazing to see her star rise.”

This portrait studio seamlessly combined artistry, technology, and star power to honor the achievements of inspiring women.

Author's summary: The 2025 Women of the Year portrait studio uniquely blended digital and analogue photography to celebrate remarkable women and their inspiring stories.

Harper's Bazaar — 2025-11-07