Vogue editor Polly Mellen dead at 100 as Christie Brinkley, Stephanie Seymour pay tribute
Popular fashion editor Polly Mellen has died at the age of 100.
The New York native worked as a fashion editor for Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, and creative director for Allure.
She was known for her short gray bob haircut and winning smile, which helped her land modeling campaigns with designers like Michael Kors.
In a Kors ad campaign, her co-star was Christy Turlington.
Tributes have flowed from celebrities following news of her death.
Models Christie Brinkley and Stephanie Seymour sang her praises while Vogue editor Anna Wintour contributed to her obituary.
Brinkley called her a classic: “It’s the end of an era with the passing of @pollyallenmellen. She was the legendary stylist and editor extraordinaire of Vogue Harper’s Bazaar and Allure,” the model wrote.
Popular fashion editor Polly Mellen has died at the age of 100. The New York resident worked as a fashion editor for Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, and creative director for Allure. Seen in 2016 in New York
(L-R) Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, Mellen and Christy Turlington attend the Sixth Annual Fashion Group Night of Stars Gala in New York in 1989
‘I remember the first time I worked with her and the amazing photographer @arthurelgort
‘They seemed to speak the same language, have the same artistic eye and together they created iconic photo shoots.
“But I was new, and after she dressed me, she drew back her eyebrows disapprovingly, raising them to the rafters.
‘Then she grabbed my belt and with one jerk it disappeared across the room in a pile as she magically produced the perfect belt and fastened it just so!
‘That was almost 50 years ago, but the photos still look modern and I will never forget the time I worked with her!
‘May we all have passion for our work like Polly! I think that kept her young until 100! #rippollyallenmellen.’
Polly in an ad for Michael Kors with Christy Turlington
Mellen watches from the front row as model Gail Elliott walks the catwalk in the 1990s
Brinkley featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1980
Stephanie Seymour wrote: ‘What power. Rest in peace dear Polly. #arthurelgort #stevenmeisel.’
Polly was born in Connecticut and graduated from Miss Porter’s School.
She then moved to New York City for work. She had jobs at Lord & Taylor and Saks Fifth Avenue department stores.
She then went into magazine journalism.
Mellen started working at the women’s lifestyle magazine Mademoiselle.
In 1950, she joined Harper’s Bazaar, where she worked with editor Diana Vreeland.
In 1952 she was employed by the iconic fashion bible Vogue under Diane.
Polly worked with top photographers such as Richard Avedon, Arthur Elgort and Irving Penn.
During her time at Allure, where she joined as creative director in 1992, she received the 1994 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America.
And Polly did modeling.
Richard Avedon and Mellen attend the CFDA Awards at the New York State Theater
She also appeared in advertisements for Michael Kors and had a role in the fashion documentary Unzipped.
Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of American Vogue and chief content officer of Condé Nast, described her in Vogue’s obituary.
She called her “a whimsical grand dame with boundless energy and a deep love for her work and for the creative process,” as well as an “adored figure at Vogue and a huge part of our history.”