Veruschka (born Vera Gottliebe Anna Gräfin von Lehndorff-Steinort in 1939) was one of the most distinctive and influential models of the 1960s. Tall, aristocratic, and strikingly unconventional, she rose to international fame after being discovered in Florence and quickly became a favorite of major fashion magazines and photographers.
With her dramatic presence and artistic approach to modeling, Veruschka helped redefine what a fashion model could be long before the term “supermodel” entered popular culture. Her appearance in Michelangelo Antonioni’s Blow-Up (1966) further cemented her status as a cultural icon of the era.
Beyond fashion, Veruschka later worked as an actress and performance artist, continuing to explore image and identity throughout her career. These iconic photos capture the striking beauty, presence, and pioneering spirit of Veruschka, the model who came before the supermodels.
Veruschka in gold dots on ebony, hooded evening pajamas by Pauline Trigere, photo by Henry Clarke in the Jas Mandir at Amber, India, Vogue, December 1, 1964
Veruschka in sun-fired orange evening pajamas of jersey by Shannon Rodgers for Jerry Silverman, photo by Henry Clarke at the tomb of Itimad-ud-Daula, Vogue, December 1, 1964
Veruschka photographed by Johnny Moncada in Sardinia, 1964
Veruschka wearing an ivory chiffon wool jersey fantasy dress and turban, standing in front of the Goddress Chamunda in the Hall of Heroes, Jodhpur, India, photo by Henry Clarke, December 1964
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