Agneta Marianne Bengtsdotter Frieberg (1945–1971) was a Swedish fashion model and activist. She was known for her extensive editorial and commercial appearances throughout the 1960s, resulting in a decade-long career under the Ford Modeling agency.
In 1960, at the age of 14, Frieberg was signed by Eileen Ford to Ford Models. After relocating to California, she appeared on over 100 covers for publications including Vogue, Elle, Mademoiselle and Glamour, among others. She served as the face of Clairol’s Great Body product line from 1967 until her death.
Frieberg was often characterized by her signature waist-length hair and “girl next door” appeal. By the late-1960s, Frieberg had become less active as a model and focused more on her activist work in the anti-war and civil rights movements of the time.
In 1971, Frieberg fell from the top story of a hotel in Paris, France. She was rushed to the American Hospital of Paris, where she remained for four days before dying of injuries on 10 May. Her death was subject to widespread media coverage due to its odd circumstances, with conspiracies having developed over her cause of death.
In her lifetime, Frieberg was recognized as “one of the first supermodels” by publications including Glamour. Frieberg’s success in modeling lead to her receiving the third highest salary of a fashion model in her era, following behind Twiggy and Veruschka.
In 2011, The Agneta Frieberg Foundation was established in honor of Frieberg and her life. Take a look at these fabulous photos to see portraits of Agneta Frieberg in the 1960s.
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| Agneta Frieberg, photo by Milton Greene, Bahamas, 1962 |
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| Agneta Frieberg in Azurene EMBA mink coat designed by Emeric Partos for Bergdorf Goodman, photo by Virginia Thoren-Rice, Harper’s Bazaar, October 1964 |
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| Agneta Frieberg in nightgown of Pedigree Chalure which is 50% nylon and 50% cotton by Sleep Ease, photo by William Helburn, Vogue, September 15, 1964 |
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| Agneta Frieberg, Wells jewelry ad, Vogue, December 1, 1964 |
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| Agneta Frieberg in hooded white terry velours parka, crossed at the throat and patch pocketed in front by Gotham Originals, photo by Francesco Scavullo, April 1965 |
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