The New York Times aptly described Jule Campbell, Sports Illustrated’s pioneering fashion editor, as “the mastermind behind SI’s annual swimsuit issue,” when she passed away last month at the age of 96.  John photographed seven swimsuit issues with Jule, the first in Bora Bora in 1968 and the last in Kenya in 1989. He was fortunate to work with Jule on many other sport fashion stories over the years as well.

Left: Production still of Jule and John location scouting on Florida’s Captiva Island in 1980 for the 1981 Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.

 

 

 

When John passed away in 2002, Jule was among the speakers at a special celebration of John’s life held at photographer Heinz Kluetmeier’s NYC loft. Below is an audio excerpt of Jule’s remarks. She is a wonderful storyteller and conjures up the early days of photographing SI’s swimsuit issue with John and models such as Christie Brinkley and Carol Alt in vivid detail.  Our condolences to Jule’s family and many friends around the world.

Linda Zimmerman

 

Below (L) John’s 1981 cover photo of Christie Brinkley on Captiva Island. Below (R) Jule and Christie keep warm amid unseasonably cold weather on Captiva during the shoot.