Phyllis Brown
Modeling as a profession began in 1853 when Charles Frederick Worth, the “father of haute couture,” asked his wife, Marie Vernet Worth, to model his designs. This introduced the concept of the “house model,” a term that quickly became common for Parisian fashion houses.
In the early years, models varied in size, as there were no standard physical measurements required. Designers preferred to showcase diversity in their designs.
With the rise of fashion photography, modeling evolved to include photo modeling. Models, however, remained largely anonymous and underpaid until the late 1950s.
Lisa Fonssagrives, one of the first well-known models, became a household name in the 1930s. Appearing on over 200 Vogue covers, she played a key role in highlighting the magazine’s influence in shaping modeling careers.
In 1946, Eileen and Gerard Ford founded Ford Models in New York, one of the world’s first and oldest model agencies. Here are some of the most popular and highest-paid models of the 1950s.
1. Suzy Parker
Suzy Parker was one of the 1950s’ most celebrated faces, best known as the first model to earn $100,000 per year.
Starting her career at just 15 years old with an appearance in Life magazine, she quickly rose to fame.
Suzy’s face became synonymous with Coco Chanel, and according to Vogue, she embodied “one of the faces of the confident, post-war American woman.”
Beyond Revlon, she worked with major brands such as Hertz, Westinghouse, Max Factor, and Smirnoff. Her image graced about 70 magazine covers around the world.
However, Parker faced financial trouble, accumulating significant debt from unpaid income taxes. Her situation worsened with added penalties, but Jerry Ford of the Ford modeling agency settled her debts and represented her as a client.
2. Mary Jane Russell
A prominent model in the 1950s and 60s, Mary Jane Russell, appeared on countless Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar covers.
Russell began her modeling career in 1948 and was signed with Ford Models throughout her career. She was a favorite of photographers like Louise Dahl-Wolfe and Irving Penn.
Eileen Ford described her as “exquisite,” though Russell, at 5’6, was considered shorter than typical models.
Her elegant features and long neck made her a favorite of Louise Dahl-Wolfe, who struggled to find a replacement when an unwritten rule prohibited models and photographers from working together a third time.
Harper’s Bazaar editor Carmel Snow personally requested Russell to break the rule, allowing her to work with Dahl-Wolfe again.
In fact, Russell appeared in nearly 30% of Dahl-Wolfe’s photographs, according to estimates by Fashion Institute of Technology photographer Irving Solero.
Irving Penn also admired her, noting her “qualities of concentration and tenderness.” Two of his most famous photos of her include Girl Drinking (published in Vogue in 1949) and Girl with Tobacco on Tongue (1951).
The latter made Russell physically sick since she did not smoke, but she remained a favorite of Penn’s.
3. Dovima
Dovima, born Dorothy Virginia Margaret Juba, became one of the highest-paid models of the 1950s. Discovered on a New York sidewalk by a Vogue editor, she was photographed by Irving Penn the next day.
Her aristocratic style made her a muse for the fashion elite. Her most famous moment came in Richard Avedon’s photograph Dovima with the Elephants, where she wore Yves Saint Laurent’s first Dior gown.
This iconic image sold for over $1 million in 2010. In addition to her modeling career, she appeared in the 1957 film Funny Face as Marion, a fashionable yet airheaded model.
4. Jean Patchett
Jean Patchett, recognized for her beauty spot and refined elegance, was one of the top models of the 1950s.
After arriving in New York in 1948, she signed with Ford Models, and her career skyrocketed. She made her Vogue debut in September 1948 at age 22.
Her collaboration with Irving Penn on The Tarot Reader became part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s permanent collection.
Over her career, Patchett appeared on more than 40 magazine covers. Her distinct look was even parodied in the 1957 film Funny Face, starring Fred Astaire and Audrey Hepburn, which playfully critiqued the fashion world.
5. Ann St Marie
Anne St. Marie was a top model of the 1950s, known for her elegant and timeless look that perfectly suited the fashion trends of the era.
She was a favorite in high fashion, often appearing in Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.
Her career was further highlighted by her marriage to photographer Tom Palumbo, who worked extensively for both magazines.
Together, they represented a dynamic duo in the fashion world, with Palumbo capturing St. Marie’s sophisticated beauty in numerous shoots.
6. Carmen Dell’Orefice
Carmen Dell’Orefice is a true fashion legend. Beginning her career in the 1950s, she has continued to model well into her 80s, earning the title of the world’s oldest working model.
Her graceful aging and timeless beauty have kept her in high demand, proving that age is no barrier in the world of fashion.
Carmen’s ability to maintain her stunning appearance and iconic status throughout the years is truly inspiring!
7. Dorian Leigh
Dorian Leigh, the older sister of Suzy Parker, was one of the first supermodels despite being just 5’5″ tall.
Her full name was Dorian Leigh Parker, but she dropped her last name as her parents didn’t consider modeling a respectable career.
Interestingly, by the time her younger sister, Suzy, followed in her footsteps, the family had likely become more accepting of the modeling world.
8. Lisa Fonssagrives
Lisa Fonssagrives was arguably one of the first true supermodels, appearing on over 200 Vogue covers throughout her career. Her work in the 1930s, 40s, and 50s made her one of the most recognizable faces in fashion.
Fonssagrives married two of the world’s most famous photographers—Ferdinand Fonssagrives and Irving Penn—making her a fixture in both European and American fashion.
Her grace and elegance defined an era, and her name remains synonymous with haute couture.
9. Sunny Harnett
Sunny Harnett, an American model from Brooklyn, was one of the most sought-after models of her time, particularly favored by renowned photographer Richard Avedon.
She became a familiar face in fashion during the 1950s and was featured in numerous high-profile shoots.
Her elegance and charm also led to a role in the iconic fashion film “Funny Face.” Sunny’s collaborations with Avedon helped her become an unforgettable figure in fashion history.
10. Nena von Schlebrugge
Nena von Schlebrügge, a Swedish model in the 1950s, was known for her ethereal beauty and striking features. In addition to her modeling career, she also had a brief stint in acting.
Perhaps most notably, she is the mother of actress Uma Thurman, and the resemblance between the two is remarkable.
Nena’s timeless style and graceful presence have left a lasting mark on the fashion world, continuing through her daughter’s legacy.
