The Most Popular Models From The ’60s Who Swung Into Style
The 1960s were a decade of transformation, rebellion, and creativity, especially in the world of fashion. It was an era that broke away from conservative styles and embraced bold colors, patterns, and silhouettes.
From the emergence of the miniskirt to the rise of psychedelic prints, the ’60s were all about making a statement. This bold departure from tradition not only defined the decade but also left a lasting impact on fashion that continues to inspire designers today.
Twiggy: The Face of 60s Mod Fashion
Twiggy, born Lesley Lawson, was an English model whose waifish figure and androgynous look made her a sensation. Her boyish haircuts and bold eye makeup became iconic, epitomizing the mod style that was so popular in the 60s.
Twiggy’s influence extended beyond fashion; she became a symbol of the youthful energy and cultural shifts occurring during the decade, earning her the title of one of the world’s first supermodels.
Jean Shrimpton: The World’s First Supermodel
Jean Shrimpton, often referred to as ‘The Shrimp,’ was a British model whose classic beauty epitomized the 60s fashion scene. She was one of the first models to gain international fame, known for her elegant and natural style.
Shrimpton’s appearance at the 1965 Melbourne Cup in a simple mini dress caused a sensation, highlighting her role in popularizing the miniskirt trend. Her timeless beauty continues to be celebrated in the fashion world.
Veruschka: The Epitome of High Fashion Glamour
Countess Vera von Lehndorff, known professionally as Veruschka, was a German model who brought a sense of drama and artistry to the runway. Standing at 6’1”, her statuesque presence and transformative ability to embody different characters made her a favorite among designers and photographers.
Veruschka’s work with renowned photographer Richard Avedon highlighted her versatility and cemented her status as a high-fashion icon of the 60s.
Donyale Luna: Breaking Barriers with Style
Donyale Luna made history as the first African-American model to appear on the cover of British Vogue in 1966. Her striking features and statuesque frame challenged conventional beauty standards of the time.
Luna’s daring fashion choices and unique presence paved the way for future generations of models of color, making her a trailblazer in an industry that was just beginning to embrace diversity.
Peggy Moffitt: The Bold Look of the 60s Avant-Garde
Peggy Moffitt was known for her bold, avant-garde style that perfectly encapsulated the experimental spirit of the 60s. Her collaboration with designer Rudi Gernreich resulted in iconic looks such as the topless monokini, which challenged societal norms and sparked conversations about fashion and freedom.
Moffitt’s distinctive makeup and geometric haircuts made her a standout figure in the fashion world, embodying the daring essence of the decade.
Pattie Boyd: The Muse Behind Iconic Rockstars
Pattie Boyd was more than just a model; she was a muse to some of the most famous rock stars of the 60s, including George Harrison and Eric Clapton. Her ethereal beauty and bohemian style captured the spirit of the era, influencing music and fashion alike.
Boyd’s influence extended beyond the pages of magazines, as her relationships with these legendary musicians made her an integral part of the cultural landscape of the 60s.
Penelope Tree: The Unconventional Beauty of the ’60s
Penelope Tree was a model whose unconventional beauty set her apart in the 60s fashion scene. Her wide eyes and angular features defied traditional standards, making her a favorite of prominent photographers like Richard Avedon and David Bailey.
Tree’s unique look and fearless approach to fashion embodied the nonconformist spirit of the decade, earning her a place in the pantheon of iconic ’60s models.
Marisa Berenson: From Socialite to Fashion Icon
Marisa Berenson transitioned from her roots as a socialite to become one of the most sought-after models of the ’60s and ’70s. With a lineage that included the famous art collector Bernard Berenson, Marisa brought a touch of aristocratic elegance to the fashion industry.
Her work with photographers like Irving Penn and Helmut Newton showcased her versatility and timeless beauty, securing her status as a fashion icon.
China Machado: Redefining Beauty Standards in Fashion
China Machado was the first model of color to appear on the cover of a major American fashion magazine, making history with her feature on Harper’s Bazaar in 1959. Her beauty and strong personality challenged the industry’s narrow standards, paving the way for more inclusive representation.
Machado’s impact on fashion extended beyond her modeling career, as she later became a successful fashion editor and continued to advocate for diversity in the industry.
Jean Patchett: The Classic All-American Look
Jean Patchett was an American model whose classic beauty and poised demeanor made her a favorite in the 1950s and ’60s. Known for her sophisticated style, Patchett graced the covers of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, embodying the quintessential American look.
Her work with famous photographers like Irving Penn captured the elegance of the era, and her influence on fashion remains evident in the timeless appeal of her images.
Wilhelmina Cooper: A Model with a Lasting Legacy
Wilhelmina Cooper was not only a top model of the ’60s but also a savvy businesswoman who founded one of the world’s leading modeling agencies, Wilhelmina Models.
With a career that included 27 appearances on the cover of Vogue, Cooper’s striking beauty and professionalism set a high standard in the industry. Her legacy continues through her agency, which has launched the careers of countless models and remains a major force in fashion.
Suzy Parker: From Fashion to Film Stardom
Suzy Parker was one of the first models to successfully transition into acting, making a name for herself in both fashion and film. Known for her striking red hair and statuesque figure, Parker was a muse for many designers, including Coco Chanel.
Her film career included roles in movies such as Funny Face and The Best of Everything, showcasing her versatility and paving the way for future models to explore opportunities in Hollywood.
