Eileen Ford Founder and head of the modeling agency 'Ford Models' Date of Birth: 25.03.1922 Country: USA

Biography of Eileen Ford

Eileen Ford, born Eileen Otte on March 25, 1922, was the co-founder and director of the renowned modeling agency 'Ford Models'. She grew up on the north shore of Long Island, New York. During her early years at Barnard College, she worked as a model at Harry Conover's modeling agency, one of the first in the United States. She graduated college in 1943 and the following year, while working as a secretary for photographer Elliot Clark and writing about fashion events for the 'Tobe Report', she met her future husband, Jerry Ford, at a pharmacy near the Columbia University campus in San Francisco. They got married in November 1944.

While Jerry went off to serve in the Navy, Eileen continued working as a secretary and stylist. In 1946, Dorian Leigh, the world's first supermodel, left Harry Conover's agency due to an inefficient telephone system. Clients couldn't reach the agency secretary to book Dorian's services, so she decided to hire her own secretary. Soon, other popular models started using her secretary's services, and Dorian obtained a license to open her own modeling agency. Eileen met Dorian in a photographer's studio and was impressed by the efficiency of her agency. She quickly adapted Dorian's system of managing payment for models, which ensured they received their earnings promptly.

While pregnant with her daughter Jamie, born in March 1947, Eileen continued working and taking calls for several models, earning $65-75 per month from each client. A year before that, Jerry had returned from the army and, despite knowing little about the fashion industry, helped Eileen establish their own agency. They had to sell their car to rent an office in a questionable neighborhood, but within a year, the agency was earning $250,000 annually and had become one of the top three modeling agencies in the market. Their first "star" model was Jean Patchett, who had been the epitome of beauty for years.

The excellent service provided by the Fords attracted both models and high-paying clients. Dorian Leigh, who had closed her agency by then, introduced her younger sister, Suzy Parker, to the Fords, promising to join them if they hired Suzy. Eileen agreed, envisioning a young version of Dorian, an elegant, classic beauty with raven-black hair. However, she was surprised to see a tall, freckled redhead when Suzy arrived. Nevertheless, Suzy Parker quickly became one of the most successful models of her time and propelled 'Ford Models' to the top agency spot.

During the 1940s and 1950s, the Fords represented top models such as Mary Jane Russell, Carmen Dell'Orefice, and Dovima. Eileen also became a mother to four children. Their marriage faced challenges as Eileen became increasingly demanding and controlled the lives of her models and even her husband. Jerry was ready to file for divorce, but they managed to overcome their family issues. In the 1960s, they expanded their influence not only throughout the United States but also opened several successful European branches with the help of Dorian Leigh.

Eileen was the first modeling agency leader to introduce computerized data management systems. Over the years, her agency represented renowned models like Rene Russo, Kim Basinger, and Christy Turlington. In 1995, after Eileen's 50-year reign, her daughter Katie Ford took over the agency's management. The 50th-anniversary celebration of the agency received extensive media coverage, including features in 'American Photo' and 'Top Model'. In December 2007, the agency was sold to 'Stone Tower Equity Partners', and John Caplan became the new leader while Katie Ford remained on the board of directors.

Jerry passed away on August 24, 2008, at the age of 83, after a 61-year marriage. He left behind Eileen, their four children, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Eileen's life story was covered by the press numerous times, with features in magazines such as 'Good Housekeeping' in 1968, 'Life' in 1970, 'Ladies Home Journal' in 1971, and many others. In the late 20th century, Eileen Ford appeared in several documentaries about the fashion industry.