Jane Larkworthy New York Obituary, Death: Jane Larkworthy, a respected voice in the beauty journalism world and a beloved figure in the New York beauty community, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 62, following a courageous battle with cancer. Her death was confirmed by her family to Women’s Wear Daily. A trailblazer whose influence rippled across editorial pages and into the fabric of modern beauty culture, Larkworthy’s passing marks the end of an era for an industry she helped shape.
Larkworthy’s career spanned decades and numerous prestigious publications. She was perhaps best known for her tenure as the beauty director of W magazine, where she served from 2000 to 2016. During her 16 years at W, she was instrumental in elevating the magazine’s beauty coverage, blending editorial sophistication with a sense of discovery that captivated readers and industry insiders alike. Her eye for innovation and her distinctive editorial voice earned her the admiration of colleagues and brands across the globe.
Before W, Larkworthy honed her skills at iconic publications such as Glamour, Mademoiselle, and Jane, developing a reputation as a sharp, witty writer and editor with an instinct for what was new and next in beauty. More recently, she continued to share her insights as a columnist for The Cut, a vertical of New York Magazine, and as a contributor to Air Mail Look, the beauty offshoot of Graydon Carter’s Air Mail, curated by Linda Wells.
Larkworthy’s career extended beyond traditional journalism. She co-founded the consultancy firm C Word Media with Danielle Pergament, another Condé Nast veteran. Through this venture, she provided strategic and creative guidance to beauty brands, helping them navigate an ever-evolving media and consumer landscape. Her influence was not only editorial but also strategic, offering brands a lens through which to authentically connect with audiences.
One of Larkworthy’s most notable contributions to the beauty world was her role in the popularization of Le Labo’s now-iconic fragrance, Santal 33. Originally conceived as a candle, it was Larkworthy who persuaded the brand’s founders to develop it as a personal scent. Today, Santal 33 is regarded as a modern fragrance classic, and her behind-the-scenes advocacy is a testament to her influence and foresight.
Throughout her life and career, Jane Larkworthy was more than an editor—she was a curator of culture, a mentor to young writers and beauty professionals, and a voice that blended humor, honesty, and elegance. Her loss is deeply felt across the beauty and publishing industries.
Larkworthy is remembered not only for her contributions to beauty journalism but also for the warmth, wit, and generosity she brought to every endeavor. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue to shape the world she loved so dearly.
In honoring Jane Larkworthy, we celebrate a life lived with passion, creativity, and an unwavering dedication to beauty—in all its forms.