Jane Larkworthy: A Beauty Icon’s Legacy of Wit, Elegance, and Empowerment
The beauty and media worlds are in mourning following the passing of Jane Larkworthy, a trailblazing voice in the beauty industry and former beauty director of W Magazine, who died on Wednesday at the age of 62 after a brave and enduring battle with cancer. Her death, confirmed by her family to Women’s Wear Daily, has left an irreplaceable void, marking the end of a remarkable career that spanned decades and changed the way beauty was perceived, written about, and understood.
Jane Larkworthy was not only an editor and writer but also a tastemaker, a mentor, and a cultural force whose influence extended far beyond the glossy pages of magazines. Through her unique voice, wit, and approach, she helped shape modern beauty culture, making it more inclusive, thoughtful, and multidimensional. Her passing marks the loss of one of the beauty industry’s most influential figures, whose work continues to resonate with readers, colleagues, and admirers around the world.
A Career Built on Beauty, Culture, and Self-Expression
Born with an innate passion for storytelling and a deep understanding of culture, Larkworthy began her career in the beauty world with a clear vision: to demystify beauty, making it accessible, relatable, and above all, meaningful. Throughout her decades-long career, she became one of the industry’s most respected voices, known for her intelligent, elegant, and often humorous approach to beauty journalism. She combined her knowledge of beauty with a broader understanding of fashion, culture, and self-expression, redefining what it meant to write about beauty.
Larkworthy’s career began in earnest when she joined Glamour, where she honed her editorial skills and developed a nuanced understanding of the intersection between beauty and culture. She moved on to Mademoiselle, and later, Jane, each role contributing to her expansive expertise and vision for how beauty should be represented in the media. These formative years helped shape the voice she would become famous for—sharp, insightful, and always infused with an unexpected sense of humor.
But it was at W Magazine, where she began in 2000, that Larkworthy truly came into her own. As beauty director, she transformed the magazine’s beauty section into a vibrant, forward-thinking space that catered to both beauty enthusiasts and those with a keen eye for fashion. For 16 years, she led the beauty coverage, blending avant-garde elegance with accessible beauty narratives. Under her leadership, the beauty pages became a curated space for the unexpected—where trends were not just followed but anticipated, and where storytelling was as important as the products featured.
Larkworthy’s tenure at W was marked by her ability to blend high fashion with relatable beauty advice, making luxury accessible and creating a space for readers to feel seen and heard. She wrote with intelligence, authenticity, and wit—qualities that made her a favorite among readers and an admired figure in the beauty industry. Her ability to balance humor with sophistication was unmatched, and it was this combination that made her beauty writing both approachable and aspirational.
Expanding Her Influence: Writing and Consultancy
After leaving W Magazine in 2016, Jane Larkworthy didn’t step away from the beauty world—she only expanded her influence. She took on new challenges, becoming a columnist for The Cut, New York Magazine’s style vertical, where her wit, candor, and relatability continued to make her voice stand out. At The Cut, Larkworthy continued her legacy of engaging beauty journalism, where she wrote about everything from products to self-care mishaps to industry trends, all with her signature humor and heart. She didn’t just write about beauty—she wrote about the experiences of living in a beauty-obsessed world, making her writing resonate with readers on a deeply personal level.
In addition to her work as a writer, Larkworthy co-founded C Word Media, a consultancy dedicated to storytelling and strategic branding for beauty and lifestyle brands. With longtime friend and former Condé Nast alum Danielle Pergament, Larkworthy helped guide brands in the beauty industry with the same editorial eye that had made her a household name. C Word Media helped brands craft compelling narratives and build a unique, authentic voice in a crowded marketplace—reflecting Larkworthy’s own approach to writing and editorial work.
Larkworthy’s consultancy work further solidified her place as an industry leader, not just in beauty journalism but also in the business of beauty. Her understanding of both the creative and commercial sides of the industry allowed her to become a sought-after consultant, offering invaluable advice to emerging beauty brands and established names alike.
A Legacy of Support for Emerging Brands
Perhaps one of Jane Larkworthy’s most enduring contributions to the beauty industry was her ability to spot trends before they became mainstream. One of her most notable moments in the industry came when she championed Le Labo’s Santal 33 fragrance, which would go on to become a cult-favorite scent. Originally conceived as a candle scent, Larkworthy’s belief in the product led to her urging the brand’s founders to turn the fragrance into a wearable perfume. Today, Santal 33 is one of the most recognizable and widely celebrated scents in the world, beloved by fashion insiders and fragrance enthusiasts alike. Larkworthy’s foresight and her ability to champion products that were not yet widely recognized were hallmarks of her career, showing her keen eye for what was next in beauty.
Her forward-thinking approach extended beyond just products. She was a constant advocate for diverse voices and perspectives in the beauty industry, consistently pushing for a broader, more inclusive definition of beauty. Larkworthy was also known for her humility and support for new writers and creatives in the industry. She served as a mentor to many, offering guidance, encouragement, and practical advice to young journalists and industry professionals looking to make their mark. Her legacy, then, was not just one of personal achievement, but of lifting others up and creating opportunities for those coming after her.
A Warm, Relatable Voice: Jane’s Personal Impact
Beyond her professional contributions, Jane Larkworthy’s personal impact on the industry was immense. Her colleagues remember her as someone who balanced sophistication with humility and warmth. Larkworthy’s kindness and genuine curiosity about people made her a beloved figure in the office and at industry events. She wasn’t just a boss, mentor, or colleague—she was a friend to many. Her ability to make people feel seen, valued, and appreciated was one of the qualities that endeared her to so many.
Her warmth extended beyond her professional life. Jane was also known for her sense of humor, which she used to connect with others in a way that felt natural and easy. She was the kind of person who could engage with everyone—from makeup artists to fashion designers, and from celebrity hairstylists to junior writers—making everyone feel at ease. Her presence in the industry was a grounding force, offering a mix of sophistication, humor, and generosity of spirit.
In her personal life, Jane’s love for storytelling, culture, and identity remained central to who she was. She was a lifelong learner, always exploring new ideas, new cultures, and new ways of thinking. Her friends remember her as someone who was endlessly curious, always asking questions and finding joy in the discovery of new ideas.
Tributes Pour In: The Beauty Industry Mourns
Since news of her passing, tributes have poured in from across the beauty, fashion, and media worlds. Colleagues, friends, and admirers have shared stories of Jane’s mentorship, her editorial brilliance, and her deep humanity. For many, she was not only a role model but also a source of constant support and inspiration. Her impact on beauty journalism was immeasurable, and her influence will continue to shape the industry for years to come.
Jane Larkworthy’s death is a significant loss to the beauty industry and beyond. She was a pioneer who changed the way beauty was written about, celebrated, and understood. Her legacy of kindness, wit, and forward-thinking creativity will continue to inspire the next generation of beauty writers, editors, and creators.
A Celebration of Life: Honoring Jane Larkworthy’s Memory
A memorial service celebrating Jane Larkworthy’s life will be held at a date to be announced, where family, friends, colleagues, and admirers will gather to honor her legacy. Donations in her memory can be made to causes she championed, furthering her commitment to storytelling, diversity, and beauty in all its forms.
Jane Larkworthy may no longer be with us, but her voice will continue to echo in the beauty industry. She leaves behind a legacy that is as much about the work she did as it is about the way she made others feel—seen, valued, and appreciated. May her memory inspire us to continue to look at beauty not just as a surface-level concept, but as a powerful force for storytelling, identity, and joy.
