Popular fashion editor Polly Mellen has died at the age of 100.
The New York resident worked as the fashion editor for Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, and the creative director for Allure.
She was known for her short gray bob hairstyle and winning smile which helped her land modeling campaigns with designers like Michael Kors.
Celebrity tributes have come pouring out after news of her passing.
Models Christie Brinkley and Stephanie Seymour sang her praises as Vogue editor Anna Wintour contributed to her obituary.
Brinkley called her a classic: ‘It’s the end of an era with the passing of @pollyallenmellen She was the legendary stylist and editor extraordinaire of Vogue Harper’s Bazaar and Allure,’ wrote the model.
Popular fashion editor Polly Mellen has died at the age of 100. The New York resident worked as the fashion editor for Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, and the creative director for Allure. Seen in 2016 in NYC
(L-R) Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, Mellen and Christy Turlington attend Sixth Annual Fashion Group Night of Stars Gala in NYC in 1989
‘I remember the first time I worked with her and the incredible photographer @arthurelgort
‘They seemed to speak the same language, and had the same artistic eye and together they did iconic photo shoots.
‘But I was new and after the dressed me she would step back her eyebrow arching to the rafters in disapproval.
‘Then she reached over grabbed my belt and in one tug it vanished across the room into a pile as she magically produced the perfect belt which she tied just so !
‘That was almost 50 years ago but the photos still look modern and I’ll never forget my time working with her!
‘May we all have passion for our jobs like Polly! I think that kept her young all the way to 100! #rippollyallenmellen.’
Mellen watches from the front row as model Gail Elliott walks the runway in the 1990s
Brinkley seen on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1980
Stephanie Seymour wrote, ‘What a force. Rest in peace dear Polly. #arthurelgort #stevenmeisel.’
Polly was born in Connecticut, and graduated from Miss Porter’s School.
She then moved to New York City for work. She had jobs at the department stores Lord & Taylor and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Then she was off to magazine journalism.
Mellen started working at the women’s lifestyle magazine Mademoiselle.
In 1950, she joined Harper’s Bazaar, working with editor Diana Vreeland.
In 1952 she was employed by the iconic fashion bible Vogue under Diane.
Polly worked with top photographers like Richard Avedon, Arthur Elgort and Irving Penn.
During her time at Allure, which she joined as creative director in 1992, she received the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s lifetime achievement award in 1994.
And Polly modeled.
Richard Avedon and Mellen attend the CFDA Awards at the New York State Theater
She also appeared in ads for Michael Kors, and she had a role in the fashion documentary Unzipped.
Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of American Vogue and the chief content officer of Condé Nast, described her in Vogue’s obituary.
She called her ‘a mercurial grand dame with boundless energy and a deep love for her work and for the creative process,’ as well as an ‘adored figure at Vogue and a huge part of our history.’