Before Capote’s Swans Were in Feud, They Were in Vogue
The Legendary Swans of Truman Capote
Truman Capote’s swans were not only known for their enviable cheekbones, closets full of couture, and advantageous marriages, but also for their prominent features in the pages of the iconic fashion magazine that we all know and love. Vogue played a significant role in showcasing the lives and styles of these high-society women, allowing the world a glimpse into their glamorous world.
The Swans and Vogue
From Babe Paley to C.Z. Guest, Slim Keith, Lee Radziwill, Marella Agnelli, Gloria Guinness, and even Ann Woodward, the swans were captured through the lenses of renowned photographers such as Cecil Beaton, Horst P. Horst, Toni Frissell, and John Rawlings in the pages of Vogue. Let’s take a closer look at some of these iconic women:
Babe Paley
- Featured in Vogue since 1937
- Known for her impeccable style and photogenic rooms
- Photographed by Cecil Beaton, Horst P. Horst, Toni Frissell, and more
Slim Keith
- Had a few appearances in Vogue
- Photographed by Horst P. Horst and Cecil Beaton
- Known for her relationships with Hollywood figures
C.Z. Guest
- Was a close friend of Truman Capote
- Spent time in her garden in Old Westbury
- Photographed by Karen Radkai in a Mainbocher dress
Lee Radziwill
- Featured alongside her sister, Jackie Kennedy, in early Vogue shoots
- Known for her interior design skills
- Photographed by Cecil Beaton, Horst P. Horst, and Irving Penn
Marella Agnelli
- Studied art and design before becoming a fashion icon
- Married to Fiat scion Gianni Agnelli
- Photographed by Clifford Coffin, Irving Penn, and Henry Clarke
Gloria Guinness
- A fixture in Capote’s inner circle
- Had multiple Vogue features from the 1950s to the 1970s
- Known for her elegance and beauty
Ann Woodward
- Not officially one of Capote’s swans
- Tragically took her own life following Capote’s controversial story
- Featured in Vogue in a photograph by Horst P. Horst in 1948
These women epitomized elegance, style, and sophistication, and their presence in Vogue cemented their status as icons of their time. Through the lens of legendary photographers, they graced the pages of the magazine, showcasing not only their beauty but also their captivating lives.