Born Ludmila Feodoseyevna in St. Petersburg in 1913, the daughter of a Russian vice-governor, the woman known simply as “Lud” became one of the highest-paid and most sought-after supermodels of the 1930s and ’40s.
After fleeing the Russian Revolution, Lud found herself in Paris, where her aristocratic poise and “lethally beautiful” features caught the eye of legendary photographer Horst P. Horst. She famously became a bone of contention between fashion rivals Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli, both of whom fought for her exclusive services. Her most iconic image, standing in a white Alix gown between two marble pillars, remains the definitive symbol of 1930s elegance.
Beyond the studio, Lud lived a life as dramatic as a film noir: she worked during the Occupation of France, married a French Marquis, and later reportedly traveled the world with a lion tamer. Explore these stunning fashion portraits of Lud, capturing her timeless elegance throughout the 1930s and 1940s.
Lud in evening dress by Jean Patou, jewelry by Mauboussin, photo by Horst P. Horst, 1936
Lud in black crêpe dress printed with small turtles near the neckline, novel black straw pole bonnet tops the ensemble by Schiaparelli (another selection by Mrs. Wallis Simpson for her trousseau), 1937
Lud in blue and silver lamé long-sleeved dress by Schiaparelli (this dress was among those selected by Mrs. Wallis Simpson for her trousseau), 1937
Lud in suit and hat by Schiaparelli, photo by Horst P. Horst, 1937
Lud in tailored gray-and-white plaid suit, double-breasted with flap pockets, photo by Lusha Nelson, 1937
Leave a Reply