Diego Bendezu has built a career documenting the dignity, culture, and resilience of underrepresented communities. The Peruvian-born, New York–based photographer is awarded the 2026 Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Fashion & Culture for his powerful visual storytelling that centers Latin American and immigrant narratives, and his rapidly ascending influence in reshaping how the fashion industry sees beauty and cultural authenticity.

The artist’s passion for photography began unexpectedly around the age 9 in Ica, Peru. Before his parents left their home country to work abroad in the United States, they gave Bendezu a camera and a camcorder to document his daily life with his sister and grandparents. 

Bendezu eventually enrolled at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) to study photography and met Tom Caravaglia during his first year. The 84-year-old dance photographer taught Bendezu technical skills and a philosophy of the trade rooted in respect and cultural preservation.

After graduating from FIT in 2015 with a BFA, Bendezu established himself in the fashion industry over the next decade by assisting prominent photographers, including Juergen Teller and Alexi Lubomirski. His breakthrough project Dear Lima, was a 2023 photo essay documenting Venezuelan immigrants working at a carwash in Peru. In 2024, Bendezu became a full-time, sought-after editorial and commercial artist.

Bendezu’s continued collaboration with designer Willy Chavarria has become a defining partnership: Their numerous campaigns and lookbooks celebrate Latin American culture and community, including the brand’s first underwear line and the Kendrick Lamar Super Bowl LIX collection.

In 2024, Bendezu also photographed the cover of Vogue Mexico & Latin America’s 25th anniversary issue featuring Young Miko, followed by covers for Allure, L’Officiel Homme, and Man About Town in 2025. His commercial work includes campaigns for Don Julio, Adidas, Puma, and Merrell, consistently bringing an authentic cultural perspective to brand storytelling.

Bendezu’s first book, which will be released in 2026, is a three-year project documenting traditional Peruvian and South American dances as an homage to his late mentor and his culture. He continues to bridge his Peruvian heritage with his American experience through photography that honors the beauty of everyday life. Bendezu’s work has also appeared in major publications like i-D, GQ, Harper’s Bazaar, and The Face.