Kellie Wilson (model) facts for kids

Kellie Wilson was an American fashion model. She became famous in the 1960s and early 1970s. She was born in 1942 and passed away in September 1973.

Early Life and Education

Kellie Wilson was born in 1942 in Washington, D.C. Her parents were American. She grew up with her mother, Eleanor Wilson. They lived in different places like Hawaii, Michigan, and Chicago. This was between 1942 and 1963.

Kellie studied Psychology at the University of Chicago. She also learned about fashion design at the Art Institute of Chicago. In 1964, she moved to New York City. She wanted to start a career in the fashion world. Later, she moved to Paris and then to London.

Personal Life

In 1970, Kellie married her partner, Bob Mayo. Their wedding was in Amsterdam. Sadly, she became ill in the same year. She received treatment and got better for a while. She returned to her work. However, she became ill again in 1973. Kellie Wilson passed away in September of that year.

Modelling Career Highlights

Kellie Wilson was discovered in New York City. A French photographer named Jeanloup Sieff noticed her. She then moved to Paris and signed with the Dorian Leigh agency. In her early career, Kellie worked hard. She appeared in magazines, catalogs, and advertisements. She also walked in fashion shows. This helped her support herself.

Later, Kellie moved to Chelsea, London. She became known for her unique style. People started calling her "Kellie" because she often wore a shade of green called 'Kellie Green'.

Working with Famous Designers

Kellie modeled for many famous designers. These included Paco Rabanne, Pierre Cardin, Nina Ricci, and Andre Courreges. In 1966, she was part of Rabanne's first show. It was called '12 unwearable dresses'.

She also worked with popular London designers. These were Jean Muir, Mary Quant, and Ossie Clark.

Featured in Top Magazines

Kellie Wilson was photographed by famous photographers. Some of them were Richard Avedon, Clive Arrowsmith, Bert Stern, and Brian Duffy. She also became friends with fellow model Donyale Luna.

Her work appeared in major fashion magazines. She was in Vogue UK, the Sunday edition of Daily Telegraph, and Ebony.

• In 1966, she was on the cover of the Telegraph supplement. She wore a yellow Jean Patou cape-dress.
• For a fashion story in the Telegraph, she wore a Yves Saint Laurent quilted floral coat. Tom Kublin took these photos.
• In November 1966, she was photographed in a purple satin outfit for Mary Quant.
• In 1967, she modeled for the Apple Boutique in London. She appeared with Pattie Boyd for Vogue UK. Ronald Traeger was the photographer.
• In 1969, she was in Vogue UK again. Bert Stern photographed her in a Gres blue and yellow bathing suit. She also wore an Emanuel Ungaro bubble cape.