Jane Larkworthy, Celebrated Beauty Editor, Dies at 62 After Courageous Battle with Cancer

Jane Larkworthy, Influential Beauty Editor, Dies at 62

The beauty world mourns the loss of Jane Larkworthy, the renowned beauty editor whose visionary work transformed industry standards and trends. Larkworthy, best known for her groundbreaking tenure as the beauty director of W magazine from 2000 to 2016, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 62 after a courageous battle with cancer.

A Luminary in Beauty Journalism

Throughout her illustrious career, Jane Larkworthy emerged as a fixture in the New York beauty community and beyond. Her legacy is built on decades of editorial excellence and unwavering passion for beauty and fashion. Among her many accomplishments, Larkworthy was:

• W Magazine Beauty Director (2000–2016):
  Under her leadership, W magazine's beauty coverage became synonymous with innovation and trendsetting. Her keen eye for style and talent helped shape the aesthetics of high fashion and luxury beauty.

• Columnist and Contributor:
  Later in her career, Jane brought her insights to esteemed platforms like New York Magazine’s The Cut and Linda Wells’ Air Mail Look, further solidifying her role as an influential voice in beauty journalism.

• Founder and Innovator:
  Beyond writing, she co-founded the consultancy C Word Media alongside Condé Nast alum Danielle Pergament. This venture allowed Jane to mentor new talents and influence the industry from a consultancy perspective.

Before her distinguished work at W magazine, Larkworthy cut her teeth at revered publications including Glamour, Mademoiselle, and Jane magazine, leaving an indelible mark on each outlet.

The Architect Behind Iconic Trends

One of Jane Larkworthy’s crowning achievements was her role in popularizing Le Labo’s Santal 33. With her unwavering belief in the transformative power of scent, she convinced the brand’s founders to turn the humble candle into a wearable fragrance—a trend that has since become ubiquitous in the beauty industry. Her enthusiasm and cutting-edge vision reinvented how beauty and fragrance intersect, inspiring countless creatives and industry insiders.

For an in-depth look at her impact on the industry, read more at WWD and The Times of Innovations.

A Legacy That Will Endure

Jane Larkworthy was far more than a beauty editor—she was a mentor, a tastemaker, and a true visionary whose work resonated with professionals and enthusiasts alike. Her ability to capture the zeitgeist of beauty trends, combined with her fearless approach to journalism, enriched the discourse in fashion and ensured that new voices in the industry found a platform.

Colleagues, celebrities, and ordinary readers alike will remember her spirited commentary, her intellectual curiosity, and her willingness to explore beauty from unexpected angles—from high-fashion runways to everyday personal care innovations.

Remembering Jane Larkworthy

As the industry comes to terms with this profound loss, Jane Larkworthy’s legacy continues to inspire. Her passion, expertise, and vibrant personality will live on in the pages of every magazine and the hearts of everyone committed to the art of beauty journalism. In celebrating her life, we honor the countless voices she uplifted and the trends she pioneered.

May her spirit continue to shine and her contributions to the beauty world never be forgotten.