Model Woman: Eileen Ford and the Business of Beauty

by Robert Lacey

A revealing, no-holds-barred portrait of Eileen Ford—the legendary entrepreneur who transformed the business of modeling and helped invent the celebrity supermodel.

Eileen Ford, working with her husband, Jerry, created the twentieth century's largest and most successful modeling agency, representing some of the fashion world's most famous names—Suzy Parker, Carmen Dell'Orefice, Lauren Hutton, Rene Russo, Christie Brinkley, Jerry Hall, Christy Turlington, and Naomi Campbell. Her relentless ambition turned the business of modeling into one of the most glamorous and desired professions, helping to convert her stable of beautiful faces into millionaire superstars.

Model Woman chronicles the Ford Modeling Agency's meteoric rise to the top of the fashion and beauty business, and paints a vibrant portrait of the uncompromising woman at its helm in all her glittering, tyrannical brilliance. Outspoken and controversial, Ford was never afraid to offend in defense of her stringent standards. When she chose, she could deliver hauteur in the grand tradition of fashion's battle-axes, from Coco Chanel to Diana Vreeland—just ask John Casablancas or Janice Dickinson. But she was also a shrewd businesswoman with a keen eye for talent and a passion for serving her clients.

Drawing on more than four years of intensive interviews with Ford and her intimates, associates, and rivals, as well as exclusive access to agency documents and memorabilia, Robert Lacey weaves an unforgettable tale of a determined entrepreneur and the empire she built—a story of beauty, ambition, business, and popular culture as powerful and complex as the woman at its center.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Fashion, Business, History, Womens

339 pages, Hardcover

First published June 16, 2015

About the author

Robert Lacey is a British historian noted for his original research, which gets him close to - and often living alongside - his subjects. He is the author of numerous international bestsellers.

After writing his first works of historical biography, Robert, Earl of Essex and Sir Walter Ralegh, Robert wrote Majesty, his pioneering biography of Queen Elizabeth II. Published in 1977, Majesty remains
acknowledged as the definitive study of British monarchy - a subject on which the author continues to write and lecture around the world, appearing regularly on ABC's Good Morning America and on CNN's Larry King Live.

The Kingdom, a study of Saudi Arabia published in 1981, is similarly acknowledged as required reading for businessmen, diplomats and students all over the world. To research The Kingdom, Robert and his wife Sandi took their family to live for eighteen months beside the Red Sea in Jeddah. Going out into the desert, this was when Robert earned his title as the "method actor" of contemporary biographers.

In March 1984 Robert Lacey took his family to live in Detroit, Michigan, to write Ford: the Men and the Machine, a best seller on both sides of the Atlantic which formed the basis for the TV mini-series of the same title, starring Cliff Robertson.

Robert's other books include biographies of the gangster Meyer Lansky, Princess Grace of Monaco and a study of Sotheby's auction house. He co- authored The Year 1000 - An Englishman's World, a description of life at the turn of the last millennium. In 2002, the Golden Jubilee Year of Queen Elizabeth II, he published Royal (Monarch in America), hailed by Andrew Roberts in London's Sunday Telegraph as "compulsively readable", and by Martin Amis in The New Yorker as "definitive".

With the publication of his Great Tales Robert Lacey returns to his first love - history. Robert Lacey is currently the historical consultant to the award-winning Netflix series "The Crown".

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read for a number of reasons. I was intrigued by both the modelling industry and Eileen herself. Eileen was quite a character, with very strong opinions about all aspects of the modelling industry. The parts on the modelling industry itself appealed to my love of books about professions very different from my own (for example:  Lives in Ruins ,  The Residence , and  The News Sorority ). I think I enjoyed the book a little more because having watched some America's Next Top Model recently meant that I recognized a few of the big name models mentioned. For the most part though, the people in the story were new to me and that didn't decrease my enjoyment of the book.

I appreciated that the author shared quotes and stories that showed both the good and the bad of Eileen and the modelling industry. It's important to me to come away from a nonfiction book feeling as though the author has objectively shared all sides of their subject and this book delivered. I was surprised by how much I loved the short chapters in this book as well. Combined with the interesting topics and relatively large text, they helped my fly through this book. I thought this was the perfect nonfiction read for the summer - nice and light, with appeal for anyone interested in different professions, the modelling industry, or fascinating women in history.This review was originally posted on Doing Dewey.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very readable and enjoyable biography of the great model agent Eileen Ford. Beyond the fashion history (and gossip) is a great story of a woman who started her own business when it was unusual for women to do so. More important, she advocated for better wages and working conditions for the (usually impoverished) young women she took under her wing.

[W. Frazier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eileen Ford ranks right up there as an iconic figure. She led a fabled and lengthy career in the modeling industry. Yet this biography fails to capture her spark. The storyline reads mostly like a report, flat and sequential. It does deliver a good timeline, with very interesting historical context, but pretty much stays within these limits. There’s very little to grab onto for any emotional investment. I was waiting to be swept up in the vulnerable anecdotes, the Eureka moments, 18-hour days, model mayhem, something. There are some fun reveals, but it’s a very controlled, very deliberate narrative.

[Paulina Grzegorczyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ciekawa biografia, bardzo interesujące historie i pod względem historycznym i biznesowym.

[Terri Durling · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating account of the woman behind the very successful Ford Modelling Agency. This book is engaging and well laid out with short chapters provocatively titled with appropriate quotes at the commencement of each that draws you in. You get a vivid sense if who Eileen Ford was beginning with her birth in 1922, everything in between and her death in 2014. Her successful marriage to Gerry Ford who was the Roy Rogers to her Dale Evans is well documented. They were well suited, a dynamic duo with different strengths that complemented each other perfectly and which was the reason for the success of both their business and marriage. They were devoted to each other and their family. She was not always easy to be around but was a straight shooter with old fashioned standards and an eye for who might make a good model.

[Dorothy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick, gossipy read. Lots of focus on the family dynamic of the Ford's, as well as a solid backstory on Eileen's early years. There was much to admire about her, but the author also shows her snappish side as well. Nuanced and impeccably researched.

[T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting read! So cool to learn about certain aspects of the industry and how they were “created” by Ford essentially… so interesting

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

Model Woman tells the story of Eileen Ford, who founded one of the biggest modeling agencies in the United States and revolutionized the way models were treated.

Prior to reading this book, I have to say I had never heard of Eileen Ford and knew next to nothing about the world of modeling. I was impressed with the way Eileen Ford treated her models; she did her best to protect them and keep the men in the modeling world from taking advantage of them. Eileen Ford certainly sounds like a strong-willed, determined woman, which undoubtedly helped her become the successful businesswoman she was.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning about the business side of the modeling world.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I won this in a goodreads giveaway. And I am very glad I did! This was a fantastic book. I knew nothing of Eileen Ford beyond the pop culture references to the "Ford Model" before reading this book. It is a wonderful look into the lives of people who basically created the modern modeling industry. It's light and breezy—almost gossipy, but never catty—tone is perfect for the subject matter. It moves easily through the decades of the lives of Eileen and her husband/partner Jerry. There is romance, glamour, and conflict set mainly against a backdrop that could have come straight from 'Mad Men.' If you have any interest in fashion, or the inner workings of the industry, this is a must-read.

Highly recommended.

[Patricia Revzin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book and am writing a First Reads review. I came of age during the rise of the celebrity super models and enjoyed reading about their seemingly glamorous, glitzy, and fun-filled lives. So I was intrigued by Robert Lacey's account of the powerful and shrewd businesswoman who was a model before she co-founded the Ford modeling agency in 1947. Although she was extremely demanding and outspoken, she showed a very maternal side by taking teenage models into her home. If you are a fan of fashion, fame, and beauty and want to get more than a glimpse of the modeling world, treat yourself to this well-written and researched book.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly interesting. Fashion isn't important to me so my perspective was something of a stranger in a strange land. But this story of Eileen and Jerry Ford, such dynamic leaders in the modeling world for decades, was well-researched and well-written. Informative but not gossipy. Read it if you are curious about the ins and outs of the fashion world.

[Marta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not a fashion person but my cousin is and decided to buy the book for her. As she's not around so decided to read it first and I have to say it was super interesting. Stories are incredible and it gave a bit different perspective on the whole fashion industry and its history (it wasn't only Eileen Ford story).

[Rhonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well-researched account of the rise of Eileen Ford and her modelling agency which was successful over a long period of great change from the 1940s to the 1980s. It really was a team effort, with her husband Jerry having a big influence on the business due to his different character and strengths.

Interesting to see the two sides of the modelling industry: women being used for their beauty and appearance, and the professionalisation of the modelling industry which allowed women to be independent and earn their own living.

Eileen was a strong character who had a great impact on all she came in contact with.

A good complement to a recent book I read about Marjorie Hillis, who wrote on women living alone.

[Dorota · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bardzo podobała mi się historia agencji modelek Ford - zupełnie nic o tym nie wiedziałam wcześniej (książkę dostałam w prezencie) i byłam mega zaskoczona jak wiele bardzo sławnych modelek się przez tę agencję przewinęło. To ciekawa biografia, zwracająca uwagę na kontekst historyczny i kulturowy, jednocześnie wskazująca jak rzadko myślało się o tym, że modelka to jednak też człowiek (że o tworzeniu toksycznych wzorów na fast fashion nie wspomnę). Polecam, miła i przyjemna. Dałabym 4 gwiazdki, ale jedną odjęłam za problemy z korektą - w paru miejscach zęby mi zgrzytały.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really enjoyable history book. I did not expect to love it as much as I did. It was a fast paced and fascinating glance into and industry, culture and powerful couple that I knew nothing about beforehand. Excellent read.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, insightful and very illuminating.

[Beth Gordon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I knew nothing of Eileen Ford or modeling agencies. I learned a great deal about both.

[Mary Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting biography of Eileen Ford and The Ford Agency. Great look into the world of modeling over the years.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story of Eileen Ford, particularly her early years as a business woman in the 1940s.

[Kevin Kushel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprisingly good.

Great read. I know a lot about the business, but, this was a very interesting work about the models industry from mid20th century to now.

[Jula · Rating 4 out of 5]

< eileen 3

[Robbin Dean · Rating 3 out of 5]

I need to start by stating that I won this book from a Goodreads drawing.
I really, really wanted to love this book. I think that I anticipated lots of gooey details about the glitz and glam of the world of Eileen Ford and her models. Sure there were many big names dropped throughout the book, but I was disappointed with the lack of stories that failed to accompany them. I even found myself wishing that the book would just end at certain points during the doldrums that come up way too often. This book is truly about the business of managing models. That is all it is about. The famous faces on the cover tend to make you think that you are going to hear lots of juicy gossip about the beauties that entrusted their careers to the Fords.
I do want to say that I think that the author writes well and did a lot of good research for the book. I just think that he was true to his subtitle. This book IS about the business of beauty. Unfortunately, the average consumer is going to expect some meatier stories about the models and Mrs. Ford.

[Ex Libris Meis]

Eileen Ford was considered “the empress of American modeling”.
Together with her husband, she created the famous modeling agency FORD in 1947, and in 2007 it was sold for the sum of 50 million dollars.
Of course, in those times, nobody expected women to work, but only to become housewives.
“For some reason, I always expected that I would be earning my living when I grew up. I never expected anything different. My father expected me to aim high- and so did my mother.”
http://www.exlibrismeis.com/en/2017/0...

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would add this book to a career and inspirational shelf. I was surprised with how quickly I read this book and how much I liked it. The book delivers more than the business of modeling, taking place from the 1930's to 2014 the life of Eileen Ford was very successful and the biographer doesn't paint her in simple broad strokes.

[Mrs. Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story about the development of the modeling industry. There's a focus on Eileen Ford, who of course had a lot of influence. Some of her attitudes and the descriptions of her personality were...grating. She was definitely a character, and for better or worse, she truly impacted modeling and the fashion industry.

[Exapno Mapcase · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Goodreads First Reads review.

Lacey provides an even handed look at a somewhat polarizing industry. The emphasis is primarily on Eileen Ford, but he offers stories on all the major players, so even if you aren’t a modeling aficionado you can still get the entire story.

[Karen Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Motivating!

I guess there is a market for everything. You just have to find your niche. That gives the rest of us hope that we may strike it rich one day by finding a market that others have missed.

[Shannon Croley · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing look into the Modeling world. Eileen Ford was one strong woman, who created an empire that is still going strong today. This is an interesting story. I won my copy from First Reads.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up hearing about Ford models but didn't know much about the woman who started the agency. Fun to read about the frivolous cut throat world of modeling.

[Linda Smolenski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating look into the life of Eileen Ford and the modeling business in general. Very enjoyable and informative