Nicole de Lamargé, a model who rarely troubled the American fashion scene, carved a unique niche for herself in France during the 1960s. Born in 1938 and discovered by Catherine Harlé in late-Fifties Paris, de Lamargé’s success at home was unparalleled.
Starting out with assignments for Jardin des Modes and Vogue, she was quickly adopted as Elle’s unofficial face. Her collaboration with Elle’s art director, Peter Knapp, helped to incarnate the new decade’s breezy, self-possessed spirit.
A Versatile and Changing Look
Nicole’s approach to fashion was both experimental and instinctive. She once told an interviewer, “I keep changing my look, you see. I get very bored… I don’t think about my face anymore. It’s just instinct.”
Her willingness to adapt and change her appearance set her apart from other models. Her face was her canvas, and she painted it according to her mood, the fashion trends, and the creative direction of her collaborators.
Working with Legendary Photographers
Her success wasn’t confined to France. In London, she worked with esteemed photographers like Parkinson, Bailey, Duffy, and French. Her unique style, attitude, and adaptability made her a sought-after model, both nationally and internationally.
Impact on Young Models
Nicole de Lamargé was more than a model; she was an inspiration. Grace Coddington, who was then starting as a model, referred to her simply as ‘my idol.’ Her approach to her career, her look, and her life was aspirational to those who followed her path.
A Playful Farewell to the Swinging Sixties
In 1969, she was featured in Bailey’s epitaph to the Swinging Sixties, titled ‘Goodbye Baby and Amen,’ with a playful image that captured her spirit. Her bouffant curls, tongue sticking out, and a cigarette dangling from her hand were emblematic of her carefree and unique style.
Tragic End
Later that year, while on holiday in Morocco, de Lamargé’s life was tragically cut short in a car crash. The shocking loss of one of France’s brightest fashion stars marked an abrupt end to a career that had helped define an era.
Nicole de Lamargé’s influence in the 1960s was profound. Her constant evolution, creativity, and collaborations with significant figures of the time made her a symbol of that vibrant decade. Her willingness to change her look, coupled with her creativity and ability to embody the energy of the decade, made her story an inspiring chapter in the history of fashion. Her legacy continues to resonate, reflecting the breezy and confident spirit of a bygone era.
