Polly Mellen, Visionary Fashion Editor and Stylist, Dies at 100

Mellen, a trailblazer in fashion journalism and creative direction, shaped modern editorial photography and mentored generations of industry leaders.

Polly Mellen, known for her fearless creativity and expressive style, passed away at the age of 100, leaving a legacy that spanned decades in fashion publishing.
She worked at Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, and Allure, collaborating with legendary photographers like Richard Avedon and Irving Penn on groundbreaking editorials.
Mellen was instrumental in championing emerging designers and talents, including Calvin Klein, Halston, and Michael Kors, while pushing boundaries in fashion imagery.
Her career highlights included Vogue’s iconic 1967 ‘Great Fur Caravan’ shoot in Japan and the unforgettable 1981 image of Nastassja Kinski with a snake, both of which redefined editorial storytelling.
A mentor to many, including Vera Wang, Mellen was celebrated for her passion, work ethic, and belief in constant evolution, which shaped the modern fashion industry.