This month, Make & Believe Magazine is paying tribute to ‘Jean Shrimpton.’ Born in Buckinghamshire, England she was a 1960s icon. Appearing on the front cover of Vogue, Harpers Bazaar and Vanity Fair, she mastered the skill of looking relaxed and glamour’s. Her laid back swinging attitude in front of the camera attracted the nation and she soon became ‘The Face’ of Britain with her long hair and wide eyes.
Jean was an ambassador for the miniskirt, wearing it confidently with liberation. After making a public appearance in the miniskirt, undeniably sales rose. The miniskirt became the fashion item of the 60s, portraying female freedom and independence of a once subdued culture.
David Bailey photographed Jean in 1960 and fell in love with her innocence and beauty. They travelled together, working alongside each other as Jean became his muse. “We were instantly attracted, and whenever we worked together this attraction created a strong sexual atmosphere” – David Bailey. As Jean’s romance with Bailey ended another started with Terence Stamp, soon the blue eyed coup became an iconic image of the era, both charismatic and charming in their own right (see picture).
Jean was often compared to Audrey Hepburn because of her striking facial features (big eyes) but from different eras and styles. It’s true to say that Jean was more than a natural beauty but also captured the generation with her style and nonchalant attitude.
Writen by: Daniella Christina
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