Lauren Hutton, born Mary Laurence Hutton on November 17, 1943, in Charleston, South Carolina, rose to prominence as a supermodel and actress who reshaped the standards of beauty and success in both industries. Her early years were marked by challenges, as her parents divorced when she was young. Raised primarily by her mother, she spent her formative years in Florida, where she developed the resilience that would later define her career.
After high school, Hutton briefly studied journalism at the University of South Florida before moving to New York City in the 1960s. Armed with determination, she set her sights on modeling, despite facing an industry steeped in rigid beauty standards.
In a time when conformity ruled the modeling world, Hutton’s gap-toothed smile was considered a flaw by many industry insiders. She was urged to fix her teeth, but she stood her ground, embracing her uniqueness. Her confidence and refusal to conform soon caught the attention of designers and photographers. By the late 1960s, she had established herself as a refreshing alternative to the era’s conventional beauty ideals.
Hutton made history in 1973 by signing a million-dollar contract with Revlon, becoming the first model to achieve such a deal. As the face of Revlon’s Ultima line, she transformed the modeling profession by proving that models could be seen as celebrities and command significant financial compensation. Her groundbreaking contract opened doors for future supermodels and redefined the business aspect of modeling.
While conquering the modeling world, Hutton ventured into acting with the same tenacity. She made her film debut in Paper Lion (1968) and later starred in notable films like The Gambler (1974), where she played a woman entangled in the complexities of a compulsive gambler’s life. Her role in American Gigolo (1980), opposite Richard Gere, further showcased her versatility and ability to take on challenging roles.
As her career progressed, Hutton became an advocate for embracing natural beauty and defying societal norms surrounding aging. She continued to model well into her 50s and 60s, proving that beauty isn’t confined to youth. In 1999, she made headlines by appearing nude at 55 on the cover of Big magazine, photographed by Mario Testino. The shoot celebrated aging with confidence and authenticity, inspiring women worldwide.
Hutton remains a trailblazer, continuing to model and collaborate with major brands, including her celebrated return to the runway for Bottega Veneta at the age of 73. Her legacy transcends her modeling and acting achievements, inspiring generations to embrace individuality, challenge conventions, and celebrate life at every age.
Lauren Hutton’s journey from a young woman with unconventional beauty to a global icon is a testament to her resilience and pioneering spirit. Her influence has left an indelible mark on fashion, film, and culture, proving that true beauty lies in authenticity.
