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Dorothea McGowan: The Unforgettable Face of the ’60s Fashion Revolution

The 1960s were a time of great change, with the winds of revolution sweeping through society, politics, and the world of fashion. Amidst this sea of transformation, one face stands out as a trailblazer who shaped the decade’s fashion landscape: Dorothea McGowan. With her captivating beauty and unforgettable presence, she rose to prominence as a top model and became the epitome of ’60s glamour. Let’s take a closer look at the remarkable life and career of Dorothea McGowan, the iconic face of a revolutionary era.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born on February 22, 1941, in Brooklyn, New York, Dorothea McGowan grew up in a working-class Irish-American family. Her father was a New York City police officer, and her mother worked as a receptionist. Despite her humble beginnings, Dorothea’s undeniable beauty and charm caught the eye of the fashion industry, launching her into a world she could only have dreamt of.

At the tender age of 17, she was discovered by photographer Tom Palumbo while working at a local Woolworth’s store. Her unique features and magnetic presence landed her a modeling contract, setting the stage for a remarkable career that would span over a decade.

The Iconic Face of the ’60s

In the early ’60s, Dorothea McGowan quickly became a sought-after model, gracing the covers of prestigious fashion magazines like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Glamour. Her classic beauty and captivating presence were a perfect fit for the era’s glamorous aesthetic, making her the face of a generation.

But Dorothea’s influence went beyond her striking looks. She was part of a group of models who defied the stereotypes of their profession, exuding an air of intelligence and sophistication. In an era where models were often dismissed as mere clothes-hangers, Dorothea stood out as a woman of substance, inspiring countless young women to break free from societal norms and embrace their individuality.

Embracing a New Chapter

As the 1960s drew to a close, so did Dorothea’s modeling career. However, she didn’t fade away into obscurity. Instead, she took the opportunity to explore new horizons, transitioning into the world of acting. Throughout the 1970s, Dorothea appeared in numerous films and television shows, showcasing her talent and versatility as an actress.

Though Dorothea McGowan may not be as well-remembered as some of her contemporaries, her impact on the fashion industry and popular culture cannot be denied. As a trailblazer who helped redefine the role of models in society, she left an indelible mark on the fashion world and paved the way for future generations of models to be seen as more than just pretty faces.

#1 Dorothea McGowan Wearing a Tan Colored Dress, with Hat by Emme, 1960

#2 Dorothea McGowan in Beach Dress by Jane Irwill and Model in Striped Side-Buttoned Beach Dress by Haymaker, St. Croix 1962

#7 Dorothea McGowan in Lace Dress and Hat by Balenciaga, 1960

#9 Dorothea McGowan and Sara Thom in Unused Fashion Shot, 1960

#10 Dorothea McGowan in a White and Navy Tweed Suit by Chanel in Paris, 1960

#17 Dorothea McGowan in Dress by Yves Saint Laurent, 1962

#19 Dorothea in a Dress by Nina Ricci, Little Bara as a Priest, 1960

#20 Dorothea Is Wearing Suit by Cardin, Little Bara as a Boy Scout, 1960

#22 Dorothea McGowan Modeling a Suit Designed by Deanna Cohen Winner of the Golden Thimble Award from Parson’s School of Design, 1960

#23 Dorothea McGowan in Suit Designed by Deanna Cohen, 1960

#24 “Green Angel”, Dorothea, Harper’s Bazaar, 1964

#25 “Letting Go”, Dorothea McGowan, Harper’s Bazaar, 1965

#26 Dorothea and Model in Maillot and Skirt-Wrap by Galitzine, Harper’s Bazaar, 1965

#27 Dorothea McGowan in Coat, Dress, Booties and Hat by Courrèges, Harper’s Bazaar, 1965

#28 Model on Left in Evening Dress by Sarmi and Dorothea McGowan on Right in Gown by Scaasi, 1961

#30 Model and Dorothea McGowan in Evening Gowns by Scaasi and Sarmi, 1961

#31 Dorothea McGowan in Suit by Mr. Mort, Mademoiselle, 1961

#32 Dorothea McGowan in an Yves Saint Laurent Classic, 1962

#33 Dorothea McGowan in Tourmaline EMBA Mink Coat by D.H.Grosvenor, 1963

#34 Dorothea McGowan During Filming of “Qui Êtes Vous, Polly Maggoo”, Directed by William Klein, Paris, 1966

#35 Dovima, Dorothy McGowan and Unidentified Model, Ohrbach’s, 1958

#36 Dorothea McGowan in Suit by Handmacher, New York City Supreme Court, Centre St., 1964

#37 Dorothea McGowan in Beige and Gray Misty Plaid Worn with Fringed Stole in Fine Worsted by David Crystal, 1961

#38 Monique and Dorothea in Marc Bohan for Dior’s Hooded Evening Jackets, One in Black Wool Worn with a Jewel, the Other Black Velvet Embroidered in Jet Beads, 1961

#39 Dorothea McGowan in Herringbone Tweed Suit by Chanel, 1963

#40 Dorothea McGowan in Belted Tunic Coat of Honeyed Brown and Black in a Textured Silk Over a Slim Short-Sleeved Sheath by Georgia Bullock, Black Straw Hat by Sally Victor, 1960

#41 Dorothea McGowan in Silky White Sweater of Orlon Cantrece by Darlene with White Cotton Knit Shorts, Striped Straw Hat, 1960

#42 Dorothea McGowan in White Evening Separates of Pleated Dacron-Cotton by Custom Craft, White Bracelets by Cadoro, 1960

#43 Dorothea McGowan in larkspur-printed Dacron-cotton day-dress by Vera Maxwell, Nassau, Vogue, 1960

#44 Dorothea McGowan in bright blue knitted Helanca nylon tunic cover-up by Catalina, Lyford Cay Club, Bahamas, Vogue, 1960

#45 Dorothea McGowan in white bias-cut rayon crêpe dress by Edward Abbott, hat by Lilly Daché, Vogue, 1960

#46 Dorothea McGowan in sun-checked yellow and white gingham dress by Patty Woodard, Vogue, 1960

#47 Dorothea McGowan in pink and white gingham slip by Asha, Vogue, 1960

#48 Dorothea McGowan in ginger and black habutai silk dress by Guy Laroche for Vogue Pattern 1000, hat by Lilly Daché, Vogue, 1960

#49 Dorothea McGowan in the new torso dress by Mollie Parnis, Vogue, 1960

#50 Dorothea McGowan in pink fringed Mexican poncho from Phoenix-Pan American Shop, Vogue, 1960

#51 Dorothea McGowan in gray and black Glen plaid suit by Christian Dior-New York, Vogue, 1960

#52 Dorothea McGowan in black silk brocade dress by Mr. Mort, hat by Lilly Daché, Vogue, 1960

#53 Dorothea McGowan in Lutetia EMBA mink jacket by Ben Kahn, Vogue, 1961

#54 Dorothea McGowan in bright-on-white pinafore and green hip-shorts of Irish Looms linen by Sportwhirl, St. Croix, Vogue, 1962

#55 Dorothea McGowan in white Dacron and cotton shirt by Lady Manhattan, straw sailor hat by Emme, Vogue, 1962

#56 Dorothea McGowan in beige double-knit jersey dress by Harold Levine, turban hat by Mr. John, Vogue, 1963

#57 Dorothea McGowan in shades of endpapery leather swatches, Vogue, 1963

#58 Dorothea McGowan in black suède dress and wool cape-coat by Bud Kilpatrick, feather hat by Miss Alice, Vogue, 1963

#59 Dorothea McGowan in tangerine velvet evening dress by Sarmi, coiffure by Kenneth Batelle, Vogue, 1962

#60 Jean Shrimpton in beige textured wool dress, Dorothea in green crêpe two-piece, photo by David Bailey, Vogue, 1962

#61 Dorothea McGowan in bright green Swiss braid straw beret by Guy Laroche, Vogue, 1962

#62 Dorothea McGowan in EMBA pale minks, diamonds by Harry Winston, make-up by Helena Rubinstein, Vogue, 1963

#63 Dorothea McGowan in blue and white silk tweed jacket over a matching dress by Jo Copeland-Pattulo, Harper’s Bazaar, 1961

#64 Dorothea McGowan in black and white check dress and shawl by Bruno for Herbert Sondheim, Harper’s Bazaar, 1963

#65 Dorothea McGowan in Swiss dotted voile dress by Teal Traina, ruffled hat by Adolfo, Harper’s Bazaar, 1963

#66 Dorothea McGowan in Porthault linen dress of blue, green and red flowers by Maurice Rentner, Harper’s Bazaar, 1963

#67 Dorothea McGowan in coal-black twill dress by Donald Brooks for Townley, veiled hat by Lilly Daché, Harper’s Bazaar, 1963

#68 Dorothea McGowan in black silk zibeline dress by Scaasi, shoes by David Evins, Harper’s Bazaar, 1963

#69 Dorothea McGowan in white cotton piqué dress with enameled zinnia earrings, roller hat by Halston, Harper’s Bazaar, 1963

#70 Dorothea McGowan in pale pink silk crêpe dress with pale green overskirt by Norman Norell, Harper’s Bazaar, 1963

#71 Dorothea McGowan in white silk crêpe dinner dress by Yves Saint Laurent, Harper’s Bazaar, 1963

#72 Dorothea McGowan in a white man’s shirt with green satin skirt and ostrich feather boa by Jules Crahay for Nina Ricci, Harper’s Bazaar, 1963

#73 Dorothea McGowan in curved-cut gray two-piece dress by Pierre Cardin, red velour hat, Harper’s Bazaar, 1963

#74 Dorothea McGowan in high-necked high-waisted white silk crêpe dinner dress by Guy Laroche, Harper’s Bazaar, 1963

#75 Dorothea McGowan in oval-shaped cape-wrap of Morning Light EMBA pale blue mink, Harper’s Bazaar, 1964

#76 Dorothea McGowan in silk crêpe tunic over a crystal pleated underskirt by Pierre Cardin, Harper’s Bazaar, 1965

Written by Willow Rutherford

Willow Rutherford, a retro fashionista and vintage music lover with a special little sidekick in tow. When she's not busy chasing after her adorable baby girl, you can find her scouring thrift stores and estate sales for one-of-a-kind pieces. With a love for all things vintage and a passion for motherhood, Willow is always on the lookout for the next big find.

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