Glamorous Photos of Nelly Nyad From the 1950s

Nelly Nyad was a fashion model active in the early 1950s, best known for her striking elegance and collaboration with renowned photographer Milton H. Greene. Though not as widely known today as some of her contemporaries, Nyad became a standout presence in high-fashion editorials during the postwar era, embodying the refined glamour of early 1950s couture.

Nyad was featured in a celebrated series of photographs taken by Greene in 1952 for Life Magazine, with locations ranging from Madrid to Mallorca. In these images, Nyad modeled exquisite gowns and accessories by leading fashion houses such as Jeanne Lanvin, Jeanne Pottier, and Spanish designer Rodriguez, often set against dramatic backdrops like historic architecture and art museums. The series captured both her poise and Greene’s signature visual style — soft lighting, rich textures, and timeless composition.

Take a look at these glamorous photos to see portraits of Nelly Nyad as a model from the 1950s.

Nellie Nyad in black faille cocktail dress with deep décolleté by Paquin,adorned with two ruby and diamond clips from Boucheron, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1950

Nellie Nyad wearing a bright red satin cocktail dress by Jeanne Lanvin, the wrapped skirt is held by diamond flower clip by Mellerio dits Meller, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1950

Nelly Nyad in pink faille and embroidered gray tulle evening sheath by Balenciaga, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1950

Nelly Nyad in white satin evening gown draped diagonally across the hips, bodice features a wing collar, by Jeanne Lanvin, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1950

"The Embrace" Nelly Nyad, photo by Milton Greene, 1952

Milton Greene's iconic photograph of Nelly Nyad, 1952

Nellie Nyad, photo by Milton Greene, Portugal, 1952

Nelly Nyad in jet-beaded sheath with ruffled bustle by Spanish designer Rodriguez, photo by Milton Greene, Prado museum, Madrid, Spain, 1952

Nelly Nyad photographed by Milton Greene at the Prado in Madrid, 1952

Nelly Nyad wearing dress and matching stole of hand-loomed white wool threaded with silver and fringed by Emmy Fisch, photo by Milton Greene, 1952

Nelly Nyad, photo by Milton Greene, 1952

Nelly Nyad, photo by Milton Greene, 1952

Nelly Nyad, photo by Milton Greene, 1952

Nelly Nyad, photo by Milton Greene, 1952

Nelly Nyad, photo by Milton Greene, 1952

Nelly Nyad, photo by Milton Greene, Madrid, Spain, 1952

Nelly Nyad in a tweed dress with a fitted bolero tightened at the waist, the seams shaping the hips which give a barrel line to the skirt by Jean Dessès, photo by Robert Randall, Vogue, Paris, November 1953

Nelly Nyad in beautiful evening gown by Jean Dessès, photo by Henry Clarke for Vogue, 1953

Nelly Nyad in linen sheath in pastel stripes with a straight jacket in coral linen by Clare Potter, photo by Leombruno-Bodi, Ladies' Home Journal, January 1953

Nelly Nyad in white taffeta blouse, photo by Jean Chevalier, Elle, October 5, 1953

Nelly Nyad wearing a black velvet sheath embroidered with jet at the neckline and belt,with a white ermine shawl fringed in chenille by Jacques Heim, photo by Henry Clarke, Vogue, Paris, November 1953

Nelly Nyad wearing a strapless red, silk chiffon dress contrasted with a pale blue satin sash floating down in two long panels by Jacques Fath, photo by Henry Clarke, Vogue, Paris, November 1953

Nelly Nyad wearing a white satin and lace stole embroidered with red and brown stones by Givenchy, photo by Henry Clarke, Vogue, Paris, November 1953

Nelly Nyad in red wool skirt with black jersey top and black fringed shawl by Manguin perfect for après-ski, photo by Sabine Weiss, Vogue, Paris, February 1954

Nelly Nyad wearing feathered hat by Svend, photo by Georges Dambier, Nouveau Femina, 1954

Nelly Nyad wearing hat by Svend, photo by Georges Dambier, Arachnée, February 1954