There are a handful of people whom I most admire in the fashion industry (three).  This particular person has worked in the industry for three decades and has paved the way for so many photographers and I think that she has given the meaning 'fashion' to photography.  By being the very 'first' photographer to ever take photos backstage at 'major' fashion shows, and capture the authenticity of super models, ( Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, and Claudia Schiffer, to name a few).  The legends ( the late Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino, Karl Lagerfeld, and John Galliano, with whom she is fascinated with).  She defines the meaning of "Behind the Scenes", The Queen of fashion 'backstage' photography, the legendary Roxanne Lowit.

I had the privileged to interview her.  She shares with me how her career all began.  "I was just starting out as a photographer-so I had no credentials.  I would go backstage, where it was easier to get in.  But I soon realized that backstage was the place to be.  It was much more exciting and dynamic than the runway.  I always love to see the magic unfold".  Roxanne is inspired by artists.  She has always been intrigued and inspired by artists, one of them being Andy Warhol; and wanted to be one herself, she says.  Inspired by Picasso, Matisse, Warhol, and Frieda Khalo.  "When I first became a photographer, I purposedly didn't look at other photographers' work so I would be true to myself and not subconsciously influenced by other work I saw."  Having a career, a successful career, you either try to evolve in your skills or reinvent yourself.  Roxanne response; "I try to broaden my horizons, to open my eyes to new sights and try new things.  But reinvent myself, no.  I think I am doing just fine with who I am.  As far as evolution, it is natural we all evolve in one way or another.  Evolution is something that happens as a course of life.  You cannot stop it or force it." 

There are many that would 'die' to be Lowit's assistant, but someone who has worked in the fashion industry for three decades, is sure to have high expectations and standards.  "I look for someone who is intuitive.  I live a very busy and sometimes hectic life.  I need someone who can think a few steps ahead.  Who knows what I want, like and need and when I need it.  I expect a lot," Roxanne says.  "They need to be on top of it.  They need to keep cool under pressure and move fast.  When I find someone great I try my best to keep them around as long as possible." 

For someone who has worked successful as a photographer, photographing film, fashion, art, and theater, Lowit must have marvelous memorable moments.  "There are so many amazing moments that it is hard to pick just one.  Though one especially memorable moment was the first time that I was in Paris, as a photographer, I somehow managed to get to the top of the Eiffel Tower with Yves Saint Laurent and Andy Warhol."

Roxanne tells me, "Go where your heart and mind tells you to go.  Only you know what is right for you.  Don't listen when people say you can't do it or are negative.  Be positive.  Believe in yourself.  Do what comes from deep down inside of you because you can do you better then anyone else."