Born 1921 in British Malaya, Barbara Goalen became a model at the age of 24. She came to international prominence between 1945 and 1954, then gave up her career at the height of her success.
Barbara Goalen as a model in the early 1950s
Described as “the most photographed woman in Britain” and “arguably the first British supermodel”, she epitomized post-war glamour and modeled for both Dior and Balenciaga.
Goalen’s elegant wasp-waisted shape was the perfect fit for the post-war ‘New Look’ fashions and she had what Vogue has described as the “mink and diamonds” look, thanks in part to her gamine short haircut (later more bouffant), arched and elongated eyebrows and high cheekbones.
Goalen died in 2002 in Putney, London at the age of 81. Take a look at these glamorous photos to see portraits of a young Barbara Goalen as a model in the early 1950s.
Barbara Goalen in a form-fitting side-wrapped dress designed by Susan Small as seen in Vogue UK, December 1950
Barbara Goalen in beautiful tulle evening gown with glittering sequined bodice by Susan Small, Harper’s Bazaar UK, August 1950
Barbara Goalen in black and white check shirtdress under an orange jacket fitted like a waistcoat in front and swinging loose behind by Robert Piguet, photo by Richard Dormer, Harper’s Bazaar UK, April 1950
Barbara Goalen in black poult jacket, bloused, belted and high-collared, over mauve-and-white checked shirt and wine-red boater, by Victor Stiebel, photo by Richard Dormer, Harper’s Bazaar UK, March 1950
Barbara Goalen in evening dress by Susan Small, Harper’s Bazaar UK, November 1950
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