The coolest of the Swinging Sixties It girls by far. “Hot, hot, hot. Smart, smart, smart.” This is how John Lennon described the effortlessly cool, aloof Penelope Tree. Once the girlfriend of photographer David Bailey, she got her start after being photographed at one of Truman Capote’s infamous soirées. Absolutely striking, with large, round, doe eyes and chiseled rosy cheeks, there is no face like hers. When I first saw her I was enthralled by how odd looking she was, like a tribal, sage alien from a jungle on some far away planet. A fucking icon. Which Tree is your favorite? Photos: David Bailey, Richard Avedon & Clive Arrowsmith.
All articles filed in Supermodel 101
Supermodel 101: Donyale Luna
The first black woman on the cover of Vogue. The first black supermodel period. Donyale Luna’s lithe body, otherworldly looks and style, were enough to make Salvador Dali declare her Nefertiti reincarnated. Always a muse she starred in Andy Warhol factory videos and Fellini films. Ever the socialite she lived the rockstar lifestyle. Despite appearing with Mick Jagger (above) she was actually hooking up with Brian Jones. Would have died to attend the Rock n Roll Circus. This gorgeous big-eyed, regal faced babe succumbed to drugs, which led to the demise of her career and untimely death. A true queen and pioneer. Which Donyale are you right now? Photos: Roberto Roccchi, Richard Avedon & Vogue Magazine.
Supermodel 101: Jean Shrimpton
My love of art in all forms and the vessels who produce it, knows no bounds. All of which I’ll share with you. Teenage me went through this OBSESSIVE phase with the 60’s and 70’s, believing myself ill-fated for being born afterwards. I was suppose to be a swinging mod, a rockstar groupie (maybe in the GTO’s with Pamela De Barres shagging Mick Jagger). Even though the term supermodel was coined in the 80’s, I still acknowledge Penelope Tree, Donyale Luna, their contemporaries and the lady above, Jean Shrimpton folks. Her sister Chrissy Shrimpton was Mick Jagger’s ex-girlfriend, he wrote the song Under My Thumb for her. But I digress. Jean Shrimpton was the muse for iconic photographer David Bailey. The British model appeared on countless covers, helped launch the mini-skirt and was coined “The Face Of The Sixties.” Big baby blues, pillowy pink lips and a jawline to chisel ice, she personified the swinging mod. An icon folks. Which photo of Jean is your mood? Photos: David Bailey, Gianni Penati and Richard Avedon.
Supermodel 101: Naomi Campbell
Few people have experienced such loss as Naomi Campbell. Working with every major fashion house from the 80’s on, she’s had to suffer through the suicide of Alexander McQueen, the murder of Gianni Versace and the death of Azzedine Alaia (tips of the icebergs). Still she’s endured. This woman taught me how to drag people to the library to get read. Her career is nothing short of iconic, 1/3 of “The Trinity” (which will get a tribute later), in countless music videos from Michael Jackson, Jay-Z, Madonna to George Michaels, her infamous feud with fellow supermodel Tyra Banks, the level of major she’s been in court (this fee is an insult to my wealth… I really don’t want to be here right now, but I’m forced to be so…), that model competition show where she read that girl to tears and the other judges, just an astounding career from a formidable woman. She can throw a phone at me anytime. Naomi Campbell’s walk is so acclaimed that even her falls (Vivienne Westwood) are major. Thank you for showing us how to kill the game. What I’ve learned from her the most, is know your worth and put people in their place if they try you. Photos: Naomi’s Insta
Supermodel 101: Kate Moss
It was the beauteous Kate Moss’s birthday last week. An icon, a feline legend. The only 5’7 bitch to do it big as a supermodel. She’s bounced back after a multitude of drug scandals, she’s dated the hottest guys, she’s partied like a rockstar, with rockstars because she is a rockstar. A modern day Anita Pallenberg in terms of that. Which is more major her cheekbones, or her legendary consumption, earning her the nickname “The Tank”? Can we also note that at this age she’s still got it…is it even fair? Via: Kate Moss Photos
Supermodel 101: Susan Holmes McKagan
Susan Holmes honey, international model, wife to rockstar Duff Mckagan, of Guns N’ Roses. Of course he would lock down this beauty. Those large upturned, almond shaped, feline eyes, those pouty lips and perfectly arched brows. This is the definition of a bad bitch. Please do your homework, these aren’t even close to her best photos. What a a chiseled goddess. Other accolades under belt: author, muse, designer, mother of two, business woman. Photos: Herb Ritts, Richard Avedon, Getty Images.
Supermodel 101: Yasmeen Ghauri
Definitely going to be starting supermodel 101, only for the icons. A name you must remember 90’s super goddess, Yasmeen. I mean absolutely stunning. One of Canada’s hottest exports honey. Is she your favorite 90’s supermodel? Photos: Getty Images