Fabulous Portraits of Gyongyi Armstrong as a Fashion Model From the 1950s

Born 1926 as Gyoyegyver Balasz in a wealthy Transylvanian family, fashion model and painter Gyongyi Armstrong was active in the mid-20th century, particularly in the late 1940s and 1950s. She was known for her elegant and poised presence in the world of high fashion, appearing in major magazines like Vogue and Harper's Bazaar.

Armstrong modeled for top couturiers of the time, including designs by Jacques Fath and Adele Simpson. She was photographed by legendary fashion photographers such as Horst P. Horst, John Rawlings, and Clifford Coffin. One of her notable photos, taken by her husband Jerry Plucer-Sarna, famously depicts her smoking while modeling.

Armstrong passed away in 2013, leaving behind a legacy as a notable model and a creative individual from a pivotal era in fashion history. Take a look at these fabulous photos to see portraits of Gyongyi Armstrong as a fashion model From the 1950s.

Gyongyi Armstrong in spring ball-gown of souffle de soie and ostrich feathers by Irene, kidskin sandals by Mademoiselle, photo by Cecil Beaton in front of a Jackson Pollock painting, Vogue, March 1, 1951

Gyongyi Armstrong in short ball gown, butterfly-light in a silk paper taffeta, the pink bow a lift of color to balance the side-flight of the skirt, made to order at Henri Bendel, photo by Cecil Beaton, Vogue, March 1, 1951

Gyongyi Armstrong in a suede finish Botany wool brown jacket and a Miron worsted checked flannel dress, photo by Horst P. Horst, Vogue, February 15, 1951

Gyongyi Armstrong in Botany wool brown jacket and a Miron worsted checked flannel dress with a linen collar and cuffs, photo by Horst P. Horst, Vogue, February 15, 1951

Gyongyi Armstrong in nearly sheer cotton dress with tucks woven into it, photo by Louise Dahl-Wolfe, Harper's Bazaar, June 1951

Gyongyi Armstrong in separates of black cotton lace over white satin, short lace cardigan has rhinestone buttons, white halter top and full skirt, all by Nelly de Grab, photo by Louise Dahl-Wolfe, Harper's Bazaar, April 1951

Gyongyi Armstrong in short dinner dress of mimosa yellow lace overlaid on matching silk taffeta by Jo Copeland, photo by Louise Dahl-Wolfe, Harper's Bazaar, April 1951

Gyongyi Armstrong in tweed suit with velvet cuffs and collar by Paul Parnes, Vogue, August 1, 1951

Gyongyi Armstrong in white shawl-collared ermine bolero by Maximilian shows off the wearer's waist and emphasizes her bouffant skirt of short ball gown by Traina-Norell, photo by Nina Leen, 1951

Gyongyi Armstrong in beautiful one shoulder gold lamé evening dress by Herbert Sondheim, Vogue, October 1, 1951

Gyongyi Armstrong applying new lipstick by brush from Revlon, photo by Frances McLaughlin-Gill, Vogue, March 1, 1952

Gyongyi Armstrong in a short black cashmere cardigan, carved in front and straight in back, circled with black and white braid and tied with big satin bow by Evelyn Gates, photo by Norman Parkinson, Vogue, November 15, 1952

Gyongyi Armstrong in charming black dress with pearl buttons, white piqué collar and cuffs with black patent belt and shoes, grosgrain bow-hat by Madcaps, patent handbag by Josef, photo by Clifford Coffin, February 1, 1952

Gyongyi Armstrong in knitted coat, double-faced and plaided in pink and gray over a two-piece dress, both by Bonnie Cashin, photo by Norman Parkinson, Vogue, November 15, 1952

Gyongyi Armstrong in black crêpe belted sheath featuring high neck and short sleeves, by Pauline Trigere, photo by Frances Pellegrini, Harper's Bazaar, October 1953

Gyongyi Armstrong in leopard print jacket over beige linen two-piece by Adele Simpson, photo by John Rawlings, Vogue, February 1, 1953

Gyongyi Armstrong in narrow black and white Juilliard tweed, the bodice a double-breasted black worsted jersey by Mollie Parnis , photo by Frances McLaughlin, Vogue, October 1, 1953

Gyongyi Armstrong in nubby tweed coat lined in fake fur leopard plush at Bergdorf Goodman, photo by Sharland, Harper's Bazaar, September 1953

Gyongyi Armstrong in salt and pepper tweed two-piece, a long belted shirt over a slender skirt by Brigance of Sportsmaker, photo by Frances McLaughlin, Vogue, October 1, 1953

Gyongyi Armstrong in tall slender tunic dress of soft gray wool jersey falling close to the figure by Traina-Norell, car is 1932 Stutz, photo by Richard Rutledge, Vogue, February 1, 1953

Gyongyi Armstrong in thin navy-blue worsted dress with a bloused back and high waist by Larry Aldrich, white felt helmet by Emme, photo by Clifford Coffin, Vogue, October 15, 1953

Gyongyi Armstrong in velvet dress, scoop neckline, full skirt with jet and gold embroidered waist, by Eleanor Garnett, Harper's Bazaar, October 1953

Gyongyi Armstrong in beautiful dress of palest blue satin, wrapped at the waist by Sylvan Rich for Martini, photo by Roger Prigent, Vogue, November 1, 1955

Gyongyi Armstrong in shirt dress of pearl-and-primrose silk taffeta print by Oleg Cassini, photo by Richard Rutledge, Vogue, March 1, 1955

Gyongyi Armstrong in sweeping bottle-green velvet evening coat over a big-skirted pink satin dress by Sophie of Saks Fifth Avenue, photo by Clifford Coffin, Vogue, September 15, 1955

Gyongyi Armstrong in tweed country coat lined in sapphire blue rabbit by Spectator Ltd. worn over a grey cashmere sweater and skirt by Bellciano, photo by Clifford Coffin, Vogue, October 1, 1955

Gyongyi Armstrong in black silk evening dress with back-dipping skirt and wide collar that plummets to a deep V in front, Balenciaga adaptation by Herbert Sondheim, photo by Karen Radkai, Vogue, November 1, 1957

Gyongyi Armstrong in blue and beige check worsted suit with belted jacket and swingy pleated skirt by Eininger, silk Breton by Emme, photo by Karen Radkai, Vogue, January 1, 1958