BETTINA (Model)

Wearing a sharply constructed black dress by Christian Dior, the French model gives a pose of polished froideur. Bettina's gamine beauty is unique in having inspired three designers over two generations. Born in Brittany, the daughter of a railway worker, Simone dreamed of becoming a fashion designer. She took her drawings to the couturier Jacques Costet, who took her on as his model and assistant. When the house closed, she moved to Lucien Lelong, employer of Christian Dior, who then invited her to join him in his own house. She refused, choosing to work for Jacques Fath instead. He renamed her Bettina and made her "the face" of his scent Canasta, which was launched in 1950. Her name took her to America where Vogue loved her "Gigi" looks, and 20th Century Fox offered her a seven-year contract, which she declined. In 1955 she left modelling, returning three decades later as muse (and best friend) of Azzedine Alaïa.

Also look up for Alaïa, Dior, Fath, Lelong