This is Evelyn Nesbit:
The first ever supermodel.
Born in 1884, during her height of fame her face could be seen everywhere, advertising products in newspapers to postcards and beermats. She was working at a transitory time between illustrated print and photography and her face graced the covers of Harpers Bazaar, Cosmopolitan and Vanity Fair.
Immortalised in illustration also, Charles Dana Gibson turned her into one of his infamous Gibson Girls when he drew ‘The Ethereal Question Mark’ in 1905 after she sent him photos of herself.
Apart from her being a successful model at the turn of the 20th century, what is amazing about Evelyn is how the images captured of her show her to be a timeless beaty whose looks and stye could easily filter into today! Here are 5 reasons why she would still be successful now:
1)
HER NATURALNESS ON CAMERA
When thinking of a model born in the 19th century one can conjure an image of someone standing very seriously and in a straight line. Not Evelyn – her poses were loose and full of life. In the age of instagram it has never been more important to get personality across in an image and Evelyn does that – even after a century!
2)
HAIR ADORNMENT
Her headgear is awesome! Head decoration has been taking over the festival look in the last few years. In these photos Evelyn shows how she was donning it way back when and is a source of inspiration as to how amazing headgear isn’t just limited to a flower crown – although still awesome! Any of these piece would not just fit in – but be the star of the show today.
3)
SHE KNEW HOW TO BRING THE DRAMA
The drama in Evelyn’s life was well-known, being linked to ‘The Trial of the Century’. However in fashion she was not shy of wearing a statement piece. At ease in both flowing feminine dress and more masculine cuts, she knew how to work a look. These photos look like the underpinning of what fashion photography still is today.
4)
SHE COULD WEAR THE CLASSICS
Everyone loves a classic and Evelyn personified the ideals of beauty at the time. These photos show a more feminine and soft side that is still often paired with a specific type of beauty today.
5)
ATTITUDE
Well these photos just speak for themselves. Her whole stance and outfits are so strong that she just looks so modern and fierce. Her look body language and style seem to transcend a timescale as her looks in all of these photos could be from a much later time.
Evelyn demonstrates how an ease and attitude coupled with creativity creates long lasting style. Her relaxed draped style and the softness of the lines are still influencing fashion today.
To end, here is a look of how the old influences the new:
http://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/fall-2015-ready-to-wear/tia-cibani/slideshow/collection#12