MOD Monday - 'Veruschka'

It's hard to believe that Veruschka von Lehndorff, the popular model of the 1960's whose name was shortened to simply 'Veruschka', turned 71 this year.  Born in Russia, but of German descent, she came from a military background being that her father was a German Count & Army reserve officer who was a part of the German resistance.  He was executed when she was five years old for attempting to assassinate Adolf Hitler.  Although she was born into wealth, after her father's death her family was left homeless.

She was discovered at the age of 20, and began modeling full-time in Paris.  In 1961 she became acquainted with Eileen Ford of the Ford Modeling Agency & moved to New York.  Being a huge fan of the infamous eccentric Salvador Dali, I was amazed to discover that she had worked closely with him on several projects! 

Although modeling was her forte', she had dabbled in acting a bit appearing in only about a dozen films, none of which were box office hits, her last being a bit part in the 2006 Casino Royale, a prequel to the popular James Bond movies. Throughout her modeling career, she appeared on the cover of Vogue quite a few times which made her well known around the world.  Her look was uniquely distinctive and she was the ultimate chameleon when it came to adapting to the ever changing style trends of the 60's...

Being a Countess by her birth right, she was the epitome of the rags to riches story having gone back and forth between wealth, poverty and finally doing very well for herself in the end.  As the years progressed, she became a well known 'Mod' fashion Icon of the 60's, having been the muse of every designer she came in contact with.

Last year, Veruschka made a runway appearance at the Giles 2011 Spring/Summer show in London for fashion week.  She was part of his finale sporting a long orchid and bow print gown, with a 7 foot boa decorating her hair, definitely proving that youth really has nothing to do with the way beauty should be perceived.

   
            
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Linda Morand - MOD Monday

Linda Morand from Long Island, New York, was one of the top fashion models of the mid 60's to mid 70's.  She was was originally discovered by Eileen Ford (Ford Modeling) and graced the pages of Vogue, Glamour & Mademoiselle as well as many international fash mags.  She was considered to be the favorite model of designers Betsey Johnson & Vidal Sassoon and was one of the first ever American models to be booked from New York to work the runway in Paris.

   
She had an uncanny resemblance to Jacqueline Kennedy when she was younger  and even had the opportunity to meet her doppelganger at P.J. Clarke's in Manhattan in 1971.  Her modeling career was more successful in Europe than in the United States as she was the muse to Pierre Cardin, Karl Lagerfeld and Paco Rabanne.  She was well versed in her craft that took her on travels through Paris, Milan, Munich and Barcelona.   She was one of the most photographed models of the MOD era, who was just like her contemporary Twiggy, was an 'it girl' who set the standard of style for her generation...

Her career was short lived and only spanned a duration of one decade as she retired in 1975 to raise a family.  She did however, open a small exclusive modeling school as well as an international photography studio. At present day, the vintage haute couture model spends the majority of her time trying to get a two hour television special off the ground...'The Supermodels Hall Of Fame'

Now in her 70's, Morand could still pass for mid 40's as this once super model, super chick of the 60's is still on top of her game which totally diminishes the usual stereotype of today's supermodels with their eating disorders and heroine chic look and totally gives rise to the old adage that 'they just don't make em' like they used to'!    


lindamorand.com , minimadmod60's.com, hamptons.com

MOD Monday

Remember the moderately popular t.v. show of the late 60's produced by Aaron Spelling called 'The Mod Squad'?  It was a police drama about three young hip crime fighters that portrayed a multicultural society and dealt with issues such as racism and drugs.

From this show, spawned a pop culture mod fashion icon named Peggy Lipton, an American born actress who played Julie Barnes on the series.  Prior to getting the acting gig, Lipton signed with the Ford Modeling Agency & was successful in that career for print modeling but not so much in regards to making it on the cover of any popular fashion mag.

  
She was coming in at the tail end of the mod era that was flowing towards the style of the hipster chic & she fit in perfectly with her center parted blond hair, peasant blouses, floppy hats, scarves, bell bottoms & flower power.  She was the perfect haute couture hippie who's vintage style continued to reign well on into the 21st century.

Here are some ideas on how you can put together our own modern take on the vintage hip style...

Random Fact:
Actress Rashida Jones is the daughter of Peggy Lipton and music mogul Quincy Jones.

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