Born 1925 in Essex, English model Pat O’Reilly started out working as a photographer’s assistant after the end of World War II. She applied for an office job at Harper’s Bazaar in London and got it, on the proviso that she’d be willing to model for the magazine too. She became a popular all-rounder, juggling editorial and runway work in London and Paris, and well-paid international tours to promote labels like Sybil Connolly’s.
Pat O’Reilly in the early 1950s
In 1959, fashion editor Josephine Easton praised O’Reilly for having the quintessential Harper’s Bazaar look: “She must be able to pose for the camera, yet look natural.” Easton explained: “She must be able to act in front of the camera, and work in front of crowds without getting flurried.”
O’Reilly was versatile and had enormous vitality, with her own, individual look. It was a look that would change regularly; over the course of a career that spanned 15 years, she went from elegant chignons to short-cropped locks to beehives, and from auburn to brunette to blonde, reinventing herself to align with every shift in fashion’s mood, and maintaining a 21-inch waist every step of the way.
Take a look at these glamorous photos to see portraits of a young Pat O’Reilly as a model in the early 1950s.
Part of Pat O’Reilly’s very own trousseau, her going-away suit in mushroom pink with two fisher ties by Frederick Starke, violet parma hat by Erik, photo by Richard Dormer, Harper’s Bazaar UK, March 1950
Pat O’Reilly in a fairy’s dress of foaming pink tulle, the skirt falling in hadkerchief points and over one shoulder a plait of tulle by Hardy Amies, photo by Henry Clarke, Harper’s Bazaar UK, March 1950
Pat O’Reilly in black linen 3/4 slacks buttoned at the knees and halter top by Londonus, angler’s bag at Simpson’s, photo by Maurice Tabard, Harper’s Bazaar UK, June 1950
Pat O’Reilly in cloudy-gray tulle ball dress with one shoulder strap and a mass of primroses and sequins scattered above the ruffles which cascade over the hips by Joy Ricardo, photo by Richard Dormer at the Empress Club, 1950
Pat O’Reilly in high-neck dress with buttoned bodice in pin-check tweed in red, brown and white by Frederick Starke, fur from Bradleys, photo by Richard Dormer, Harper’s Bazaar UK, August 1950
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