Bijou Barrington was a celebrated American fashion model who rose to prominence in the 1940s. Known for her sophisticated and graceful presence, she was a favorite subject for legendary photographers like Louise Dahl-Wolfe and John Rawlings. Her career is best remembered for her frequent appearances in Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue, where she showcased the works of pioneering designers like Claire McCardell.
One of her most famous moments occurred during a 1942 shoot in Arizona; after Barrington suffered from heatstroke, the iconic editor Diana Vreeland famously stepped in to model in her place. She remains a symbol of the refined, “classic” elegance that defined mid-century American fashion.
Let’s take a look back at these vintage glimpses of Bijou Barrington, a woman who perfectly embodied the golden age of American high fashion.
Bijou Barrington in skirt and halter top by Jay Thorpe, photo by Louise Dahl-Wolfe, Harper’s Bazaar, January 1942
Bijou Barrington in pants and top by Jay Thorpe, photo by Louise Dahl-Wolfe, Harper’s Bazaar, January 1942
Bijou Barrington wearing a high-waisted skirt of Botany wool flannel, a simple black blouse with a cocoa scarf, all at B. Altman, photo by Horst P. Horst, Vogue, February 1, 1943
Bijou Barrington wearing a white cotton madras tucked peplum dress from Henri Bendel’s Young Timers, photo by Horst P. Horst, Vogue 1943
Bijou Barrington near sliding glass door wearing polka-dot square neck dress of rayon crêpe, photo by Horst P. Horst, Vogue 1943
Leave a Reply