Model Girl: The Autobiography of Jean Dawnay - Dior's 'English Rose‪'‬

Jean Dawnay, or 'Caroline' as she was known, was a house model for Dior during the years 1949–50. In her transformation from 'frumpy' post-war English model to polished Dior mannequin she became one of the original supermodels.

Her autobiography describes her rise from airline steward to the top of the modelling world in the late 1940s and ’50s. Photographed by greats such as John French and Cecil Beaton and working with Balmain, Carven, Lanvin, Pucci and Christian Dior, this is a wry and charming tale which provides a unique behind-the-scenes perspective on the golden age of couture.

First published in 1956, this book is part of the V&A Fashion Perspectives Series. Selected by V&A publishing in consultation with our world-leading fashion curators, the Fashion Perspectives series offers an access all areas pass to the glamorous world of fashion. Models, magazine editors and the designers themselves take readers behind the scenes at the likes of Balenciaga, Balmain, Chanel, Dior, Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue in the golden age of couture.