From model to war correspondent: the extraordinary life of Lee Miller.

Lee Miller is a name that embodies the incredible transformation from a fashion icon to a fearless war correspondent. Her journey is a story of self-discovery, overcoming stereotypes, and the pursuit of truth, no matter how brutal it may be.

From the Runway to the Lens

Elizabeth Miller was born in 1907 in the USA and was surrounded by photography from an early age—her father was passionate about the art. In 1929, she moved to Paris, where she met the photographer and surrealist Man Ray. Miller not only became his muse and model but also learned essential photography skills from him.

Upon returning to New York, Lee opened her own photography studio, but quickly lost interest in commercial photography. In 1934, she married an Egyptian businessman and moved to Cairo, but luxury and a carefree life couldn't hold her for long. She ventured back to Europe, where she became part of the bohemian scene, befriending Picasso and Dalí.

A Camera Instead of a Weapon

When World War II broke out, Miller decided to radically change her life. She became a war correspondent for Vogue, covering the events of the war not from a fashion perspective, but through the lens of human tragedies.

She captured London during the bombings, followed Allied troops through Normandy, documented the liberation of Paris, and the horrors of the Dachau and Buchenwald concentration camps. One of her most famous photographs is a self-portrait in Hitler's bathtub in his Munich apartment. This shot became a symbol of triumph over Nazism.

The Price of Truth

War photography left an indelible mark on her soul. After the war, Miller almost stepped away from photography, suffering from depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. It was only decades later that her work was recognized as crucial testimonies of history.

Lee Miller is an example of a person who was unafraid to step beyond the role assigned to her. From glossy magazine covers to the darkest corners of history—her life became a reflection of the tumultuous 20th century.