Jean Shrimpton

Jean Rosemary Shrimpton, born on 7 November 1942, is an English model and actress who became a prominent icon of Swinging London and is regarded as one of the world's first supermodels. Throughout her career, she appeared on the covers of numerous major publications, including Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Glamour, Elle, Ladies' Home Journal, Newsweek, and Time.

Shrimpton was born in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, and attended St Bernard's Convent School in Slough. At the age of 17, she enrolled at Langham Secretarial College in London. A chance encounter with director Cy Endfield led to an unsuccessful meeting regarding his 1961 film Mysterious Island, after which Endfield suggested she attend the Lucie Clayton Charm Academy modelling course. She began her modelling career in 1960 at age 17.

Her rise to prominence was closely tied to her work with photographer David Bailey, whom she met in 1960 during a photoshoot with photographer Brian Duffy for a Kellogg's corn flakes advertisement. Their initial photo session took place later that year for Condé Nast's Brides or British Vogue. Shrimpton served as Bailey's muse, and their collaboration contributed significantly to both of their early careers. The two also engaged in a four-year romantic relationship that ended in 1964.

Representing the youthquake movement of 1960s Swinging London, Shrimpton contrasted with the aristocratic-looking models of the 1950s. Known for her slim frame, long legs, long hair with a fringe, and distinct features, she was dubbed "The Shrimp," "The It Girl," and "The Face of the '60s." Reports during her career widely referred to her as the world's most famous, most photographed, and highest-paid model.

Shrimpton also played a key role in launching the miniskirt. In 1965, during a promotional visit to Australia sponsored by the Victoria Racing Club and a synthetic fibre company to market Orlon dresses, she created a sensation at the Victoria Derby in Melbourne. She wore a Colin Rolfe white shift dress ending five inches above her knees without a hat, stockings, or gloves, accompanied by a man's watch.

In addition to her extensive modelling assignments—including a 1971 photoshoot for British Vogue by Clive Arrowsmith—Shrimpton ventured into acting. She starred alongside pop singer Paul Jones in the 1967 feature film Privilege.

Shrimpton's career earned notable recognition over time. Glamour named her Model of the Year in June 1963. In 2009, Harper's Bazaar listed her as one of the 26 best models of all time, and in 2012, Time named her one of the 100 most influential fashion icons since 1923. Her impact was also depicted in the 2012 BBC Four film We'll Take Manhattan and referenced in The Smithereens' 1986 song "Behind the Wall of Sleep."

Following earlier romances with actor Terence Stamp and photographer Terry O'Neill, Shrimpton married photographer Michael Cox in 1979 in Penzance, Cornwall. From 1979 onward, they owned the Abbey Hotel in Penzance, which was later managed by her son in 2011 and listed for sale in late 2023.