Before she became a cinematic icon in Alfred Hitchcock’s
The Birds, Tippi Hedren was one of the most successful and sought-after fashion models of the 1950s and early ’60s.
Discovered at the age of 20, Hedren possessed a cool, blonde elegance and a poised demeanor that made her a favorite for high-end advertisements and prestigious magazine covers like Glamour and Life. Her modeling style was defined by a refined “New Look” aesthetic, characterized by grace, sharp tailoring, and an aristocratic air.
It was, in fact, a television commercial for a diet drink that caught Hitchcock’s eye, proving that her effortless transition from the runway to the silver screen was fueled by a camera-ready presence that was already perfected during her years in the fashion industry.
Enjoy this curated gallery of Tippi Hedren’s early modeling years, a true masterclass in 1950s style and sophistication.
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| Tippi Hedren photographed by Loomis Dean, Life, 1950 |
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| Tippi Hedren modeling bathing cap, photo by Loomis Dean, 1950 |
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| Tippi Hedren in trompe-l’oeil dress (originally launched by Hermes in Paris), is made by Herbert Sondheim for sale in U.S., photo by Gordon Parks, December 1952 |
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| Tippi Hedren in trompe-l’oeil dress (originally launched by Hermes in Paris), is made by Herbert Sondheim for sale in U.S., photo by Gordon Parks, December 1952 |
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| Tippi Hedren in trompe-l’oeil dress (originally launched by Hermes in Paris), is made by Herbert Sondheim for sale in U.S., photo by Gordon Parks, December 1952 |
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