Before the term “supermodel” was even coined, Lisa Fonssagrives was already dominating the world of fashion and photography. Widely considered the first supermodel, Fonssagrives graced the covers of numerous magazines and became the muse for some of the most renowned photographers of her time. Through her elegance, poise, and undeniable beauty, she set the stage for future generations of models and played a pivotal role in shaping the fashion industry. This post will explore Lisa Fonssagrives’ life, career, and enduring legacy.
Early Life and Background
Lisa Fonssagrives was born Lisa Birgitta Bernstone on May 17, 1911, in Uddevalla, Sweden. She grew up in a family of artists, with her mother being a sculptor and her father a dentist who also dabbled in painting. This early exposure to the arts fostered her creative spirit and led her to pursue a dance career.
As a teenager, Fonssagrives attended the Mary Wigman School of Dance in Dresden, Germany, where she trained in modern dance. She later moved to Paris to study ballet and joined the renowned company Les Ballets Suedois. During her time in Paris, she met her first husband, French photographer Fernand Fonssagrives, whom she married in 1935.
The Birth of a Supermodel
Lisa Fonssagrives’ modeling career began somewhat inadvertently. While in Paris, she posed for her husband’s photographs, and it quickly became apparent that she had a natural talent for modeling. Her grace, elegance, and striking features made her an ideal subject for fashion photography, and she soon began to receive offers for modeling jobs.
In the late 1930s, Fonssagrives moved to New York City with her husband, and her career took off. She appeared on the covers of esteemed publications like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Town & Country, often working with legendary photographers such as Irving Penn, Horst P. Horst, and George Platt Lynes. Her versatility as a model and her ability to transform herself for different shoots made her an in-demand figure in the fashion world.
Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, Lisa Fonssagrives continued to be the epitome of high fashion, earning her the unofficial title of the world’s first supermodel. She became a symbol of elegance and sophistication, embodying the ideal woman of the time. Her presence was so significant that she even appeared in a 1949 article in Time magazine, which referred to her as the “highest-paid, highest-praised, high-fashion model in the business.”
Collaborations and Relationships
One of the most significant collaborations in Lisa Fonssagrives’ career was with renowned photographer Irving Penn. The two met in 1947 while working on a photo shoot for Vogue, and their professional relationship quickly turned into a romantic one. After divorcing Fernand Fonssagrives in 1950, Lisa married Penn in 1951. The couple’s collaboration resulted in some of the most iconic fashion photographs in history, showcasing Fonssagrives’ ability to embody the spirit of the clothing she wore effortlessly.
Lisa Fonssagrives’ relationships with other photographers also played an essential role in her career. Her work with Horst P. Horst and George Platt Lynes contributed to their respective legacies and helped define the era’s fashion photography. Through these collaborations, Fonssagrives became a muse for photographers and helped elevate the art of fashion photography.
Later Years and Legacy
In the late 1950s, Lisa Fonssagrives transitioned away from modeling, focusing on her other passions, including sculpture and design. She studied sculpture at the Art Students League of New York and later at the New School for Social Research. In the 1960s, she launched her fashion line, “Lisa Fonssagrives Originals,” featuring her unique designs and showcasing her artistic talents beyond modeling.
Although she stepped away from the fashion world, her impact and influence remained undeniable. As the first supermodel, Lisa Fonssagrives paved the way for future generations of models and set a new standard for the fashion industry. Many admired her elegance, poise, and beauty, and her ability to effortlessly embody the spirit of the clothing she wore inspired designers and photographers alike.
Fonssagrives’ contributions to the fashion world and her collaborations with some of the most renowned photographers of her time left an indelible mark on the industry. Her iconic photographs, which showcased her exceptional talent as a model and the artistry of the photographers she worked with, continue to be celebrated today.
In 1996, at 84, Lisa Fonssagrives passed away in New York City. However, her legacy as the first supermodel and a trailblazer in the fashion world continues to inspire and captivate audiences.
