Lauren Hutton: The Original Supermodel’s Inspiring Story
Lauren Hutton, a name synonymous with the world of modeling, has been a household name for decades. With a career spanning over five decades, she has been a constant presence on the covers of top fashion magazines, including a record 26 appearances on American Vogue. But what makes her story even more fascinating is the journey she took to get there, filled with twists and turns that would have deterred a lesser person.
Born Mary Laurence Hutton in Charleston, South Carolina, during World War II, Lauren’s early life was marked by her father’s absence, who was serving as an Army pilot overseas. Despite the distance, her father’s love and presence were felt through the letters he wrote to her every day, which her mother carefully preserved in books for her. This early experience would shape Lauren’s perception of love and relationships, as she would later recall, “He gave me a love, enough love in those letters that held me all this time, and made me love men!”
Lauren’s entry into the world of modeling was not a straightforward one. She was rejected by five modeling agencies before Eileen Ford, the founder of Ford Models, decided to give her a chance. Ford would later describe Lauren as a “believable” beauty, and it was this unique quality that set her apart from other models of the time. Lauren’s first appearance on the cover of Vogue was in November 1966, and she would go on to become a regular feature on the magazine’s covers, as well as a popular TV spokesmodel.
A Career Marked by Resilience and Determination
Lauren’s career was not without its challenges. She was told that she wasn’t cut out to be a model, with critics pointing out her gap-toothed smile and crossed eyes. However, she persevered, and her unique look eventually became one of her greatest assets. In 1973, she signed an exclusive deal with Revlon for a quarter of a million dollars a year, which was the biggest contract in modeling history at the time.
Lauren’s success was not limited to modeling. She also appeared in several films, including “Paper Lion” with Alan Alda, “The Gambler” with James Caan, and “American Gigolo” with Richard Gere. Her collaborations with renowned photographer Richard Avedon resulted in some of the most iconic images of her career, and she became a favorite subject of his.
A Life of Adventure and Resilience
Lauren’s life has been marked by adventure and resilience. She has traveled the world, living with pygmies, Karamojong, and Kalahari bushmen, and has had a career spanning over five decades. Despite facing numerous challenges, including a motorcycle accident in 2000 that left her badly hurt, Lauren has always bounced back. Her secret to success? “I just kept on plugging at it,” she says.
Today, Lauren Hutton remains an icon in the fashion world, and her story is an inspiration to many. As she looks back on her life, she says, “I’ve had a great life. I’ve been very lucky.” For more information on Lauren Hutton’s life and career, visit Here
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