She was told she wasn't good enough, but defied the odds to become the original supermodel and revolutionize the industry.
In the bustling world of 1960s modeling, Lauren Hutton was repeatedly told she didn't have what it takes. She candidly recalled the feedback: "You've got that space between your teeth, your eyes are crossed a lotta the times. I had improper … everything." The distinctive gap in her teeth, a feature that would later become iconic, was initially something she was advised to conceal. She even resorted to a pricey dental device, which she'd frequently lose or dislodge, to mask it.
But here's where it gets truly remarkable: Hutton went on to hold the record for the most cover appearances on American Vogue, an astonishing 26 times. And even at the age of 82, her captivating smile remained undimmed.
When asked about her status as the first supermodel, Hutton offered a pragmatic perspective: "Yeah, certainly, if it was about money. And I changed the whole money system." This wasn't an idle boast. In 1973, Revlon signed her to an exclusive contract worth a staggering $250,000 per year, a sum that was, at the time, the largest in modeling history.
Her journey to modeling was far from a planned career. Having come from college in New Orleans, she viewed New York City as a launchpad for her true passion: exploring the world and its wild, untamed places. Conversations about her modeling career invariably steered towards her adventures. "I lived with pygmies, and I lived with Karamojong, and I lived with Kalahari bushmen," she shared. "You're constantly excited. You're constantly thrilled. And everything's beautiful. My life was none of this stuff. My life was traveling. That's the only reason I came to New York."
When probed if she ever truly desired to be a model, she exclaimed, "Never heard of it!" She embraced the serendipity of her path, admitting, "In so many ways, it was all an accident." Her cheerful affirmation, "Amen! Amen! I've always been lucky. I was born lucky," perfectly encapsulates her outlook.
A "Believable" Beauty Who Redefined Standards
Born Mary Laurence Hutton in Charleston, South Carolina, during World War II, her early life was shaped by her father's military service. He was an Army pilot stationed overseas, and his daily letters from the war were lovingly compiled into books by her mother. After her parents' divorce in 1945, Lauren grew up in Florida, enduring an abusive stepfather. Her father's letters, therefore, held immense sentimental value: "'Cause I wanted my daddy bad." Though she never met him, his love, conveyed through his words, provided a foundation that sustained her and, humorously, instilled in her a love for men.
Hutton's foray into the entertainment world began in 1963 with an appearance on the TV game show "To Tell the Truth" as a decoy contestant, while also working as a "Bunny" at the Playboy Club in New York City. Despite her early efforts, she faced rejection from five modeling agencies.
It was Eileen Ford, who would later describe Hutton as a "believable" beauty, who eventually gave her a chance, admitting, "I still don't know what made me take her." This pivotal moment led Hutton to meet Diana Vreeland, the legendary editor of Vogue. Hutton described the encounter as "heaven." Vreeland, with a commanding gesture, pointed at Hutton and declared, "You have quite a presence." Unsure of what "presence" meant but sensing an opportunity, Hutton boldly replied, "Well, you sure do!"
Vreeland swiftly connected her with Richard Avedon, one of Vogue's most esteemed photographers. "And he made wonderful – they're still some of the best pictures I ever took," Hutton remarked. A powerful creative partnership blossomed between Avedon and Hutton, propelling her to become the nation's most sought-after model and a household name. Her influence extended beyond fashion; artist Robert Rauschenberg, a friend, created a collage portrait of her. Hutton also ventured into acting, securing roles in films like "Paper Lion," "The Gambler," and "American Gigolo."
When asked how someone who never intended to be a model or actress became so successful, and even understood the business side, Hutton revealed, "Twice. I did that twice." This refers to her relationship with Bob Williamson, her boyfriend, father figure, and financial manager for nearly three decades. She quipped, "You'd hear all those girls say, 'Well, my sweetheart's in high finance. What is yours in?' I'd say, 'Low finance.' And I was right!"
Their globetrotting adventures came to an abrupt halt when she discovered Williamson had lost nearly $13 million of her money. "Bob was very, very smart about all kinds of stuff," she noted, before adding, "But he also lost all your money?" Her response was characteristically resilient: "Yeah. But you know what? I'd do it again in a second." She returned to the fashion industry and rebuilt her fortune, stating, "I just kept on plugging at it."
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Resilience is a defining characteristic of Hutton's life. In 2000, a severe motorcycle accident sent her airborne for 20 feet. She recounted the experience with a sense of awe: "I can remember every second of it, and it was really sort of rapturous." The accident occurred while she was en route to Las Vegas with friends, including Jeremy Irons and Dennis Hopper. She was critically injured, admitting, "Oh, I was dead, and I wasn't breathing at all. Those boys saved me. My gang, my guys saved my life. My wingmen! Don't make me start crying!" Yet, the iconic cover girl recovered and returned to the spotlight.
Lauren Hutton has never expressed regret for her life's adventures. "I was not there to see myself on the stands," she explained. "I was there to get the money to go see the world. I've had a great life. I've been very lucky."
What do you think about Hutton's philosophy of prioritizing experiences over material possessions, even when it led to financial setbacks? Does her story inspire you to take more risks in pursuit of your dreams, or does the potential for loss give you pause? Share your thoughts below!
