60s Icon Veruschka: Model, Actress and Countess
Few supermodels can boast such a complex and eventful fate as Veruschka. She was born a countess into one of the most famous German aristocratic families, survived the war, repressions and, despite all the obstacles, became a symbol of the 60s. Veruschka, or Vera von Lehndorff, conquered the world of fashion, cinema and art, leaving an indelible mark on history.
The woman's full name is Vera Gottlieb Anna von Lehndorff. She is a countess and comes from an ancient German family. The future model was born on May 14, 1939, in Königsberg (now Kaliningrad) in East Prussia. Vera's family owned several luxurious mansions and a family castle near the city of Rastenburg. The father of the family, Count Heinrich von Lehndorff-Steinort, was a Nazi officer, but did not approve of Hitler's policies.
Count von Lehndorff took part in the famous assassination attempt on the Fuhrer on July 20, 1944, in his Prussian residence, the Wolf's Lair. Hitler was not harmed, and all the participants in the plot were arrested. On September 4, 1944, Vera's father was hanged in Plötzensee Prison, and his entire family, including Vera's grandparents, were subjected to repression.
The adults were sent to prisons, and the children to the National Socialist People's Welfare orphanage in Bad Sachsa. In the orphanage, Vera's name was changed. This stage in her life hardened her character and awakened the desire to find herself in a world that offered her no privileges.
After the war, Vera finished school and entered a college in Hamburg to become a textile artist. But the chosen profession seemed boring to the girl, and the rules at the school were too strict. Therefore, Vera dropped out of school and went to Florence, where she began to study painting. There, she was noticed by photographer Ugo Mulas, who suggested that the girl try herself as a model. Together they created a portfolio, with which Vera went to Paris.
In Italy, Vera studied drawing and enjoyed her freedom. In the 50s, tall blondes were especially popular among Italian men, who sometimes even stopped what they were doing to admire a beauty passing by. One of her admirers was street photographer Ugo Mulas. Having seen the slender and elegant German woman once, he could not forget her.
It was Hugo Mulas who first suggested Vera try herself as a model. Together they created a professional portfolio, with which the girl went to Paris. But the world capital of fashion gave her a cool reception. What is now considered a mandatory attribute of a successful career, then turned out to be a hindrance for the aspiring model.
French recruiters from several agencies criticized Vera's tall stature - 190 cm - and her long, slender legs. Her type was not in demand in France. But she was advised to try her hand in the USA. So that her daughter could buy a ticket to America, her mother sold some of the family porcelain. So, in early 1961, Vera went to New York.
Moving to New York was a turning point. In America, Vera faced harsh reality. Hundreds of young girls dreaming of getting into the modeling business were waiting at the doors of even the most seedy agencies. At castings, 22-year-old Vera was called "old" and unpromising. After her high hopes were dashed, the upset beauty had to return to Europe.
Returning to her homeland, Vera completely changed her image and was able to stand out from the crowd. In the early 60s, a mysterious Russian savage named Verushka (stress on the second syllable) appeared in Munich, having abandoned her last name. She was surrounded by an aura of mystery, which only fueled interest in her person.
One of the first to notice Veruschka was Diana Vreeland, the editor-in-chief of American Vogue. She saw a completely new image in the aspiring model, one that could revolutionize the fashion industry. Vreeland provided the German with extensive publicity, and in a matter of weeks Veruschka became the most sought-after model in the United States. Photographers from glossy magazines signed up for shoots with her months in advance!
The most famous surrealist Salvador Dali contributed to her growing popularity. In 1966, he arranged a nude photo shoot for her, dousing the model with shaving foam from recently invented spray cans. Meeting the master turned her into a passionate fan of body art. Over the next decade, Veruschka was photographed in unusual images, transforming into wild animals, poisonous caterpillars, gangsters, plants and even clouds.
Filmmakers also took notice of the new celebrity. Verushka's first experience in cinema was a five-minute episode in Michelangelo Antonioni's Blow-Up (1966). She only spoke one line in the film, and her name was misspelled in the credits, but that didn't matter. The scene where Verushka lies on the carpet was recognized as the best erotic scene of the year.
After that, Veruschka starred in 11 more films, though mostly in supporting roles. Her last film work was the spy thriller Casino Royale starring Daniel Craig, released in 2006. There she played Countess von Wallenstein.
Meanwhile, Veruschka became one of the highest paid models in the world, earning up to $10,000 a day at the peak of her popularity. Her success lasted for 10 years, but began to wane in 1975. The reason was her conflict with Grace Mirabella, the new editor of Vogue. Mirabella demanded that Veruschka's image be changed, making it more "earthly" and accessible to ordinary housewives.
The model categorically refused to change her image and immediately fell into disgrace. Interest in her began to fade, and Verushka decided to end her career. She returned to the fashion world in 1985, taking part in her favorite event - a body art show in Tribeca. Her still beautiful body was again decorated with flowers and butterflies. Since then, Verushka periodically participated in various shows. Her last high-profile appearance took place at the Melbourne Fashion Festival in Australia in 2000.
Veruschka was linked to many famous figures, including Jack Nicholson, Dustin Hoffman and Warren Beatty, but her most significant relationship was with Italian photographer Franco Rubartelli. Their collaboration led to unique photo projects, many of which were taken in exotic locations. She later worked and lived with German artist Holger Trulsch, with whom she actively collaborated on body art.
Despite her busy personal life, Veruschka has never been married or had children. Today, she lives in Berlin in a modest apartment, surrounded by her beloved pets. She is a vegetarian and adores all animals. Her days are filled with creativity and caring for animals, which reflects her deep connection with nature and art.
Veruschka is also critical of the modern modeling business, claiming that technology has killed individuality and freedom of expression. She continues to work on art projects and shares her experiences and views on art and fashion.
What do you think about Verushka's fate? What features of her character and life path inspire you? Share your opinion in the comments!