First supermodel Dorian Leigh dead at 91

**yoyoma** · July 11th, 2008, 05:00 PM

DORIAN LEIGH, the woman dubbed America’s first supermodel, has died. She was 91.

The 1940s covergirl, who graced a series of iconic Vogue magazine covers and became one of the most photographed models ever, passed away in Virginia on Monday (07Jul08).

Leigh also fronted Revlon’s ‘Fire & Ice’ cosmetics campaign throughout the 1950s and was once called "truly the best model of our time" by agency heavyweight Eileen Ford.

A friend of author Truman Capote, Leigh is believed to have been his inspiration for the Breakfast At Tiffany’s character Holly Golightly, portrayed by Audrey Hepburn on the big screen.

After turning her back on modeling, Leigh opened a beauty agency in France and became a caterer and food writer.

Profusion123: FIRST SUPERMODEL LEIGH DEAD AT 91

**qwerty** · July 11th, 2008, 06:24 PM

I thought Janice Dickinson was the first supermodel.

**Jessica** · July 11th, 2008, 06:24 PM

sad

i love those great photos from the 1950s

**KandyKorn** · July 11th, 2008, 07:52 PM

Originally Posted by qwerty

I thought Janice Dickinson was the first supermodel.

I think the more Janice says she was the first supermodel, the more she's trying to convince herself it's true. I tend to think that what Eileen Ford says holds more credibility. I like Janice though, she's insane

**arie_skop** · July 11th, 2008, 07:58 PM

Each time I hear speak she always goes on about being the first supermodel

**baked_tater** · July 11th, 2008, 08:34 PM

What a shame, god bless her. What a beautiful picture.

**ekee** · July 11th, 2008, 08:36 PM

Originally Posted by qwerty

I thought Janice Dickinson was the first supermodel.

I know, right?

RIP.

**Chalet** · July 11th, 2008, 09:04 PM

And no collagen! Great brows.

The way I remember it was that Beverly Johnson, Patti Hansen, Rosie Vela and Rene Russo were considered the first supermodels in the 70's. Not sure who was dubbed the first, but that's when I heard the word flying around. Gia, Kelly Emberg, Iman, Renee Simonsen and Cindy Crawford as well. The next time I heard it was when "the trinity" as they were called, was when Naomi, Christy and Linda were doing runway and print.