Lauren Hutton, an American model, actress, and fashion icon, has been a source of inspiration for countless women over the years. Born Mary Laurence Hutton on November 17, 1943, in Charleston, South Carolina, she was raised by parents deeply involved in athletics, both having played collegiate volleyball. Growing up, Hutton was a tomboy, enjoying sports like basketball and football.
Her modeling journey began in New York City, where she quickly became one of the most sought-after models of the 1960s and 1970s. Her striking features, effortless charm, and trademark gap-toothed smile propelled her to fame. Working with esteemed photographers such as Richard Avedon, Irving Penn, and Bert Stern, Hutton graced the covers of prestigious magazines like Vogue, a remarkable 26 times, and Harper’s Bazaar. Her early career was defined by these collaborations and appearances, solidifying her status as a fashion icon.
Throughout her career, Hutton faced challenges due to her outspoken nature and fierce independence, often conflicting with the beauty standards imposed by the fashion industry. However, she defiantly embraced her natural features, including the gap in her teeth, challenging industry norms.
Despite these obstacles, Hutton remained one of the most successful models of her era. She represented renowned brands like Chanel and Estée Lauder and made history in 1973 with a groundbreaking $250,000 contract with Revlon, the highest-paid deal for a model at the time.
In addition to her modeling career, Hutton ventured into acting, appearing in films such as “American Gigolo” and “Once Bitten.” She continued to defy stereotypes in the fashion industry, even as she approached her 80s, as demonstrated by her appearance in a bra ad for Cuup in September 2022.
Hutton’s influence on fashion and beauty is immeasurable. Her signature look of minimal makeup, tousled hair, and timeless clothing continues to inspire women worldwide. She was among the first models to embrace a natural, effortless style, paving the way for others to do the same. Moreover, she shattered beauty standards, advocating for more diversity and representation in the fashion industry. Her legacy continues to shape the industry today.
Hutton’s career has been characterized by talent, independence, and a commitment to authenticity and individuality. She has challenged conventional beauty standards, emphasizing the importance of staying true to oneself. Despite concerns about aging affecting her modeling career, she remained steadfast in her values.
In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar in April 2022, Hutton discussed her approach to modeling, stating that she refused to try to appear younger. This stance resonated with photographer Steven Meisel, who appreciated her authenticity and chose to work with her.
Reflecting on her past experiences with Botox in a 2019 interview with People magazine, Hutton admitted to trying it once but was dissatisfied with the results. She humorously described how the treatment left her with unexpected eyebrow changes, likening herself to the Wicked Witch of the West. Embracing her natural appearance, she accepted wrinkles as symbols of her life experiences, comparing them to the folds of a Shar-Pei dog’s skin.
In her quest to leave a lasting legacy for women, Hutton emphasized the importance of embracing both beauty and vibrancy at any age. She believed that with experience comes wisdom and resilience, encouraging women to prioritize self-care and personal growth.
Demonstrating her philosophy in action, Hutton, at the age of 78, fearlessly participated in an underwear commercial for Cuup, showcasing their collection of comfortable bras. Despite her past aversion to bras, she exuded confidence and allure in the campaign images released by the brand on September 8, 2022.
Reflecting on her unconventional relationship with bras, Hutton revealed that she didn’t start wearing them until she was 50, finding them unnecessary for much of her life. However, she discovered the transformative power of a well-fitted bra in her later years, which seemed to reverse the clock on her perceived age. Despite later abandoning bras altogether, her encounter with Cuup reignited her interest in finding the perfect bra.
Hutton’s boldness extended to her political campaign photoshoot, where she paired a simple work shirt with a mesh bra and matching pants. Initially apprehensive about the session at her age of 422, she confessed to Vogue, “the hairs went up on the back of my neck.” However, the resulting photographs captured her power and approachability, drawing admiration from many.
Commenters lauded her beauty and authenticity, with one remarking, “You are still simply stated, ‘GORGEOUS’.” Another praised her for inspiring women to embrace their true selves without resorting to plastic surgery. A third exclaimed, “Oh my God! Ms. Hutton is just as stunning now as she was when she was 21.”