Jean Shrimpton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jean Shrimpton
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Shrimpton in 1965
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| Born |
Jean Rosemary Shrimpton
7 November 1942 High Wycombe, England
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| Other names | Jean Cox, The Shrimp, Jeannie Shrimpton |
| Occupation |
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| Spouse(s) |
Michael Cox
(m. 1979) |
| Children | 1 |
| Relatives | Chrissie Shrimpton (sister) |
| Modelling information | |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Hair colour | Brown |
| Eye colour | Blue |
Jean Rosemary Shrimpton (born 7 November 1942) is an English model and actress. She was a major fashion icon during the "Swinging London" era in the 1960s. Many people consider her to be one of the world's first supermodels.
Jean appeared on the covers of many famous magazines. These included Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Glamour, Elle, Ladies' Home Journal, Newsweek, and Time. In 2009, Harper's Bazaar magazine said she was one of the 26 best models ever. In 2012, Time magazine called her one of the 100 most important fashion icons since 1923. She also acted in the film Privilege (1967) with Paul Jones.
Contents
Early Life and Start in Modeling
Jean Shrimpton was born in High Wycombe, England. She went to St Bernard's Convent School in Slough. At age 17, she went to a secretarial college in London.
One day, she met a film director named Cy Endfield. He suggested she try a modeling course at the Lucie Clayton Charm Academy. In 1960, when she was 17, Jean began modeling. Soon, her face was on the covers of magazines like Harper's Bazaar and Vogue.
Becoming a Supermodel
Jean Shrimpton became very famous because of her work with photographer David Bailey. They first met in 1960 during a photo shoot. Jean was not well-known at the time.
Her first photo session with Bailey was a big step for her career. Jean has said that David Bailey helped her become successful. In return, she became his main inspiration, or "muse." His photos of her helped him become famous too.
During her career, Jean was often called the "world's highest paid model." People also said she was the "most famous model" and the "most photographed in the world." She was even described as having the "world's most beautiful face." She earned nicknames like "The It Girl" and "The Face of the '60s." In June 1963, Glamour magazine named her "Model of The Year."
Jean Shrimpton was different from the models of the 1950s. She had a tall, slim, and youthful look. This style became popular during the "youthquake movement" in 1960s Swinging London. She was seen as a symbol of this exciting time. Because of her slim figure and long legs, she was nicknamed "The Shrimp." Jean was also known for her long hair with bangs, big eyes, long eyelashes, and pouty lips.
Jean Shrimpton and the Miniskirt
Jean Shrimpton helped make the miniskirt popular. In 1965, she visited Australia for two weeks to promote new dresses. She was paid a lot of money for this trip.
She caused a big stir in Melbourne when she arrived for the Victoria Derby horse race. She wore a white dress that ended about 5 in (13 cm) above her knees. This was very short for the time! She also did not wear a hat, stockings, or gloves, which was unusual. She wore a man's watch, which was also not common for women then. Jean did not know her outfit would cause such a big reaction in the media.
Jean Shrimpton was also photographed for a Revlon advertisement in 1971. She wore a beautiful antique white Chantilly lace dress. As soon as the advertisement appeared, Revlon received many calls from women wanting to buy the dress.
Personal Life
Jean Shrimpton and David Bailey dated for four years. Later, in 1979, Jean married photographer Michael Cox. They had a son named Thaddeus that same year. Today, Jean and Michael own the Abbey Hotel in Penzance, Cornwall. Their son Thaddeus and his family now manage the hotel.
Jean Shrimpton in Pop Culture
Jean Shrimpton has been mentioned in popular culture.
- She is named in The Smithereens song "Behind the Wall of Sleep" (1986).
- The story of her relationship with David Bailey was made into a 2012 BBC Four film called We'll Take Manhattan. Actress Karen Gillan played Jean Shrimpton in the movie.
See also
In Spanish: Jean Shrimpton para niños
