Betsy Pickering’s Iconic Journey from 1950s New York to Vogue’s Cover and Fashion’s Hall of Fame

In the heart of the bustling streets of New York City in 1933, Elizabeth Janet Pickering, later known to the world as Betsy Pickering, came into being. Little did the world know then that this baby girl would grow up to become one of the fashion industry’s most iconic models and an everlasting muse for Vogue.

A Star is Born in the 1950s

The 1950s – a decade known for its profound influence on music, art, and most definitely, fashion. It was the era of polka dots, poodle skirts, and stunning headdresses. Just as the decade was blossoming, so was a young Betsy Pickering. She began her modeling journey in the early ’50s, and by 1953, her face was gracing the cover of Vogue. It wasn’t a one-time appearance; Betsy became a recurrent enchantment for the magazine, setting her on a path of fashion legacy.

The Best Dressed List and Beyond

Being on the International Best Dressed List is no mean feat. But for Betsy, it wasn’t just about making the list. She was a constant name, echoing year after year among the best-dressed personalities from around the world. Her sense of style wasn’t merely about wearing clothes; it was an embodiment of an era, a representation of the time’s ethos.

In the early 1970s, Betsy’s consistent fashion-forward presence led her to a monumental achievement: being elevated to the Best Dressed Hall of Fame. This wasn’t just an acknowledgment of her style but a nod to her indelible mark on the fashion industry.

An Icon Beyond the Magazine Covers

While Vogue covers and Best Dressed lists are commendable achievements, Betsy’s influence was more profound. She represented the spirit of her time – confident, elegant, and daring. She was not just a model but an inspiration for countless young women who looked up to her, not just for fashion guidance, but for what it meant to be a woman in a changing world.

As years have passed, many new faces have graced magazine covers and fashion ramps. Trends have come and gone, but icons like Betsy Pickering stand the test of time. Her legacy isn’t just in the photographs or lists but in the hearts of those who saw in her the epitome of timeless style and grace.

#1 Betsy Pickering in figure-defining silk satin dress, panier framed by Jo Copeland-Patullo, 1954

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#2 Betsy Pickering in black silk crêpe dinner/cocktail sheath by Ben Reig, rhinestone-bow cap by Dior, 1955

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#3 Betsy Pickering in Lyle & Scott cashmere sheath by Christian Dior, 1955

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#4 Betsy Pickering in an elegant Merrimack velveteen sheath by Anne Fogarty, 1956

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#5 Betsy Pickering wears a CMB Majestic Canada Mink stole, 1956

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#6 Betsy Pickering in a black velvet chéchia with mascara veiling by Svend, 1956

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#7 Betsy Pickering in a dinner hat by Svend, 1956

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#8 Betsy Pickering in a black velveteen dress by Anne Fogarty, 1957

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#9 Betsy Pickering in Argentine broadtail lamb jacket by Zimmerman-Scher, 1957

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#10 Betsy Pickering in a brilliant blue velvet gown by Grès, 1957

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#11 Betsy Pickering in black satin cocktail dress by Nina Ricci, 1957

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#12 Betsy Pickering in brown wool-Orlon suit by Handmacher, 1957

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#13 Betsy Pickering in romantic evening dress by Jacques Heim, 1957

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#14 Betsy Pickering in a deep-red velour cap by Tatiana du Plessix, 1957

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#15 Betsy Pickering in Arnel and rayon suit by Glenhaven, 1958

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#16 Betsy Pickering in emerald silk dress with floating back panel by Helga, 1958

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#17 Betsy Pickering in golden satin evening gown by Lanvin-Castillo, 1958

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#18 Betsy Pickering in the minaret sheath of cotton batiste, 1958

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#19 Betsy Pickering on Wall Street, 1958

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#20 Betsy Pickering in black crêpe cardigan suit by Ben Zuckerman, 1959

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#21 Betsy Pickering in black rayon-crêpe dinner/theatre/dance dress by Lee Claire, 1959

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#22 Betsy Pickering in black silk crêpe dress by A. Goodman, 1959

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#23 Betsy Pickering in black wool egg-shaped dress by Simonetta, 1959

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#24 Betsy Pickering in cashmere two-piece from Lyle & Scott, 1959

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#25 Betsy Pickering in white crêpe dress with satin polka-dots by Charles Dickey, 1959

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#26 Betsy Pickering in Como Italian silk dress by Vera Stewart, 1959

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#27 Betsy Pickering in imported pink wool riding jacket suit by Ben Zuckerman, 1959

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#28 Betsy Pickering in imported silk brocade sheath and jacket by Mollie Parnis, 1959

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#29 Betsy Pickering in late-day shirt dress of yellow silk surah by Anne Fogarty, 1959

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#30 Betsy Pickering in late-day shirtdress of navy blue crêpe by Larry Aldrich, 1959

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#31 Betsy Pickering in pale blue silk dress with pleated bertha collar by Yves Saint Laurent, 1959

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#32 Betsy Pickering in pale blue silk shift with flat bow by Lanvin-Castillo, 1959

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#33 Betsy Pickering in pinstriped suit by Christian Dior, 1959

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#34 Betsy Pickering in short black faille evening dress by Patrick de Barentzen, 1959

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#35 Betsy Pickering in silk faille dress with piqué accent by Jo Copeland, 1959

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#36 Betsy Pickering in black silk crêpe dress by Miss Bergdorf, 1959

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#37 Betsy Pickering in chiffon worsted flannel Spring suit by Ben Reig, 1959

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#38 Betsy Pickering in navy blue flannel suit by YSL for Dior, 1959

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#39 Betsy Pickering in suit with leopard accents by Herbert Sondheim, 1959

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#40 Betsy Pickering in two-piece dress by Nina Ricci, 1959

0 Points

Upvote Downvote