Mother of all models is no more

EILEEN FORD PASSED AWAY

Through my makeshift wifi in a paradise in Puglia (think intensely large saltwater pool, barbecue, outdoor showers, and charcoal oven), I received the news that Eileen Ford had passed away. Indeed, she of Ford Models.

Not exactly unexpected, the best person was 92, but certainly a moment to reflect on. Those stories from the past, I devour them. Life is strung together by coincidences and in Eileen's case, they turned out particularly well.

$75 per model per week

In high school, she had done some modeling work, but it was during World War II that she entered ‘the profession’. Her husband was at the front (something with the navy I believe, but with all due respect for his commitment to people and country, I would like to stay with Eileen for now) and the industrious Eileen combined secretarial work with managing the schedule and sending invoices for models. She charged $75 per week for that. She must have fantasized about having her own modeling agency back then. Did she also daydream about weekly outgoing invoices of $100,000? I wonder. It did work out, after all.

Red, round, and with freckles

After the war, Eileen and her husband started their own modeling agency. Good guess, Ford Models. Literally three floors up but still on 2nd Avenue, so it wasn't that bad. They did well, but there was competition. I think the champagne was opened when their biggest competitor, Dorian Leigh, announced that she was going to close her agency. Pregnant with her third child, not wanting all the responsibility, that work.

On one condition...

But there was more. Dorian offered to come work for Eileen (so all her knowledge now ended up at Ford Models). She had a demand. Her sister, Suzy Parker, had to be signed on as a model without question. For a hefty salary, too. Eileen was willing to take that risk because Dorian was stunningly beautiful with dark hair, blue eyes, and perfect measurements. It was a bit of a shock when they saw Suzy. Red hair, green eyes, freckles, and a lot sturdier than her sister.

From 2nd Av to Park

You can sense the success story coming. Americans are also very good at that. Suzy Parker became the big moneymaker for Ford Models. Money flowed in for Eileen and her husband. They moved to a two-story apartment on Park Avenue. Eileen took on a motherly role for her girls. Hired dermatologists, dietitians, and whatever else was needed to create a good presence. Many girls also temporarily lived with her. Eileen could ensure ‘that they stayed out of trouble’ and be sure they were on time for their morning appointments.

Eileen's girls

All in all, Eileen Ford and her agency cover a modeling period of over 60 years. A selection of the biggest girls: Jean Shrimpton, Martha Stewart (before she was knitting with potato peels, she was a big model), Jerry Hall, Janice Dickinson, Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista, René Russo, Kim Basinger.

The little ones, the men, and Europe

Not easily satisfied, Eileen also focused on children. The first she signed? Brooke Shield. She earned $450,- with her first shoot. For a campaign. Furthermore, she started a men's division and Dorian Leigh began Ford branches in Europe.

HNTM avant la lettre

Actually, Eileen was ahead of Tyra Banks when she started an international modeling contest in the 1980s and went in search of Ford Model Supermodel of the World.

The end

And then it was July 9, 2014. Eileen turned 92, leaving behind four children, two grandchildren, a stunning, thriving business, and many, many model children. I leave it to Eileen to conclude this piece in her words. “You never know when or where you will find the next model but you can bet someone from Ford Models will be looking.” RIP, Eileen, if anyone deserves it...