|
As a teen, Elaine Irwin heard that a New York City modeling scout was passing through Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania, looking to discover the ultimate all-American girl. Apparently, they were in the right small town.
So, at the age of 16, Irwin moved to the Big Apple with promises of test photographs and a chance at a modeling contract. Two months later, she appeared in Seventeen--her photo was the smallest
on the page.
That situation didn't last long. Within a few years, she was a Ford Model and had graced the cover of dozens of fashion mags, including Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Self and Elite.
She made her move onto the runway the following year for Victoria's Secret and Calvin Klein and soon became the favorite subject of photographers like Herb Ritts, Irving Penn and Steven Meisel for her
natural, soft look.
In 1991, she was hired by photographer Wayne Masser, who was shooting an album cover for John "Cougar" Mellencamp. Within10 weeks, she was engaged to the musician.
"Met an L.A. doll/Brought her to this small town/Now she's small town just like me"...does that ring a bell?
Irwin left New York in 1992 to move to Bloomington with Mellencamp, who suffered
a severe heart attack three years later. She had the first of two sons in '94, the same year she was contracted to appear in Pantene's controversial "Don't Hate Me Because I'm Beautiful" commercials.
Last year, she left Ford for IMG but returned after a fruitless six-month contract. Since then, she has resurfaced as the new familiar face on the runway. In January, she appeared as the premiere model
for Todd Oldham during Fashion Week--husband and sons in tow.
|
