The Dazzling Fashion Journey of Pat O’Reilly in the 1950s Captured in Photos

Pat O’Reilly, born in 1925 in Essex, England, began her career in the fashion industry shortly after World War II. Initially, she worked as a photographer’s assistant, a role that provided her with unique insights into the world of fashion photography. This early experience behind the camera laid the foundation for her subsequent modeling career.

O’Reilly’s transition into modeling occurred when she applied for an office position at Harper’s Bazaar in London. She was hired on the condition that she would also model for the magazine. This dual role at Harper’s Bazaar marked the beginning of her modeling career and introduced her to various facets of the fashion industry.

During the early 1950s, Pat O’Reilly established herself as a versatile fashion model. She adeptly managed both editorial and runway work, participating in fashion shows in London and Paris. Her ability to excel in diverse modeling roles made her a popular figure in the fashion circles of that era.

O’Reilly’s modeling career expanded to include international tours, promoting fashion labels such as Sybil Connolly’s. These tours were not only lucrative but also instrumental in extending her influence in the fashion world. Her work on these tours helped in popularizing the brands she represented and showcased her ability to appeal to a global audience.

#1 Pat O’Reilly in her going-away suit in mushroom pink by Frederick Starke, Harper’s Bazaar UK, March 1950.

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#2 Pat O’Reilly in a fairy dress of pink tulle by Hardy Amies, Harper’s Bazaar UK, March 1950.

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#3 Pat O’Reilly in black linen slacks and halter top by Londonus, Harper’s Bazaar UK, June 1950.

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#4 Pat O’Reilly in a gray tulle ball dress by Joy Ricardo at the Empress Club, 1950.

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#5 Pat O’Reilly in a high-neck dress in red, brown, and white tweed by Frederick Starke, Harper’s Bazaar UK, August 1950.

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#6 Pat O’Reilly in a black velveteen lounging suit by Londonus, Harper’s Bazaar UK, October 1950.

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#7 Pat O’Reilly in a blue and white patchwork sundress by Ian Meredith, Harper’s Bazaar UK, June 1950.

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#8 Pat O’Reilly in a cherry-colored silk chiffon dance-dress by Frank Usher, Harper’s Bazaar UK, December 1950.

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#9 Pat O’Reilly in a white piqué strapless dress by Harvey Nichols, Malta, Harper’s Bazaar UK, May 1951.

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#10 Pat O’Reilly in a box coat and teal-green tweed suit by Koupy, Harper’s Bazaar UK, March 1951.

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#11 Pat O’Reilly in a white net dress by Roecliff & Chapman, Malta, Harper’s Bazaar UK, May 1951.

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#12 Pat O’Reilly in a gray tweed coat by Digby Morton, Harper’s Bazaar UK, March 1951.

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#13 Pat O’Reilly in a brown-and-cream check dress by Susan Small, Harper’s Bazaar UK, February 1951.

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#14 Pat O’Reilly in a classic tweed hacking jacket, Harper’s Bazaar UK, January 1951.

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#15 Pat O’Reilly in a cream poplin shirt by Peter French, Harper’s Bazaar UK, January 1951.

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#16 Pat O’Reilly in a lavender tulle evening dress by Elizabeth Henry, Harper’s Bazaar UK, February 1951.

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#17 Pat O’Reilly in a mushroom-pink taffeta coat by Hardy Amies, Harper’s Bazaar UK, March 1951.

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#18 Pat O’Reilly in a green-flecked beige tweed suit by Spectator Sports, Harper’s Bazaar UK, December 1951.

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#19 Pat O’Reilly in a Lovat tweed suit by Lachasse, Harper’s Bazaar UK, March 1951.

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#20 Pat O’Reilly in a reversible coat by Rima, Harper’s Bazaar UK, November 1951.

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#21 Pat O’Reilly in a reversible coat by Bradleys, Harper’s Bazaar UK, November 1951.

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#22 Pat O’Reilly in a tangerine shantung dress by Dorville, Malta, Harper’s Bazaar UK, May 1951.

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#23 Pat O’Reilly in a long shirt over a swimsuit by Simpson’s, Harper’s Bazaar UK, June 1951.

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#24 Pat O’Reilly in a lilac lace pagoda-dance dress by Michael Sherard, Harper’s Bazaar UK, March 1952.

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#25 Pat O’Reilly in a white satin and navy tulle dress by Jean Patou, 1952.

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#26 Pat O’Reilly in a black raw silk afternoon dress by Madeleine de Rauch, L’Officiel, 1952.

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#27 Pat O’Reilly in a gray-and-white birdseye suit by Lachasse, Harper’s Bazaar UK, March 1952.

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#28 Pat O’Reilly in a lace evening gown by Germaine Lecomte, 1952.

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#29 Pat O’Reilly in an ash-gray taffeta ball gown by Victor Stiebel, Harper’s Bazaar UK, October 1952.

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#30 Pat O’Reilly in a navy-blue rep suit by Spectator Sports, Harper’s Bazaar UK, July 1952.

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#31 Pat O’Reilly in a sea-green hopsack topcoat by Hardy Amies, Harper’s Bazaar UK, September 1952.

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#32 Pat O’Reilly’s hairstyle by Riché, Harper’s Bazaar UK, January 1952.

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#33 Pat O’Reilly in a dawn-blue tulle gown by Pierre Balmain, Harper’s Bazaar UK, September 1953.

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#34 Pat O’Reilly in a white coat by Balenciaga, Paris, Harper’s Bazaar UK, September 1953.

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#35 Pat O’Reilly in a polka-dot organza dress by Julian Rose, Harper’s Bazaar UK, May 1953.

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#36 Pat O’Reilly in a pink chiffon gown by Jean Dessès, Harper’s Bazaar UK, October 1953.

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#37 Pat O’Reilly in a red and brown tweed suit by Country Life, Scotland, Harper’s Bazaar UK, August 1953.

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#38 Pat O’Reilly in camel-hair slacks and wool sweater by Jaeger, Scotland, Harper’s Bazaar UK, August 1953.

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#39 Pat O’Reilly in a white satin and black dress by Balenciaga, Harper’s Bazaar UK, October 1953.

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#40 Pat O’Reilly in a tortoiseshell chiffon dress by Jacques Fath, September 1953.

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