Karen Graham is an American model best known for her work as the face of Estée Lauder cosmetics during the 1970s and early 1980s. Born in 1945, Graham rose to prominence in the fashion world with her classic beauty, poise, and ability to embody elegance and sophistication—qualities that aligned perfectly with the luxury branding of Estée Lauder.
Graham became the company’s exclusive spokesmodel in 1970, a role she held for over 15 years. During that time, her image, often shot by famed photographer Victor Skrebneski, appeared in countless magazine ads, defining the brand’s aesthetic for an entire generation. Graham’s portrayal of the “Estée Lauder Woman” was both aspirational and iconic—always impeccably dressed, composed, and situated in glamorous settings.
Interestingly, after retiring from modeling in the 1980s, Graham pursued a passion for fly fishing and became a professional fly-fishing instructor and guide. Despite stepping away from fashion, her influence and legacy remain strong, especially in the history of beauty advertising and branding. Take a look at these stunning photos to see portraits of a young Karen Graham in the 1970s.
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| Karen Graham wearing a red, white, blue, and green Japanese printed cotton shirt with high collar and leg of mutton sleeves by Gregory, fabric is by John Wolf, photo by Bert Stern, US Vogue, June 1970 |
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| Karen Graham wearing "Face of the Earth" make-up by Charles of the Ritz, photo by Irving Penn, Vogue, March 1971 |
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| Karen Graham wearing a daisy brooch with diamond petals and emerald center by Bulgari, make-up by Gil for Max Factor, photo by Gianni Penati, Vogue, 1971 |
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| Karen Graham wearing a simple, sleeveless, V-neck nightdress by Stephen Burrows, photo by Alexis Waldeck, Vogue, 1971 |
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| Karen Graham, photo by Victor Skrebneski for Estée Lauder ad campaign, 1971 |
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| Karen Graham in a short longsleeved night dress, edged in lace, with tie at neck, by Carol Stein for Christian Dior, photo by Alexis Waldeck, Vogue 1971 |
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| Karen Graham in black organza gown that is bare in back and ties in bow with long streamers from the shoulder by Givenchy, photo by Richard Avedon, Vogue, September 15, 1972 |
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| Karen Graham in floral print long dress by Adele Simpson, photo by Jack Cowley, Vogue, May 1972 |
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| Karen Graham wearing necklace by Bulgari, red caftan by Grès, hair by Ara Gallant, photo by Richard Avedon, New York, August 23, 1972 |
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| Karen Graham, chiffon dress by Marc Bohan for Dior, Autumn/Winter Collection 1972, photo by Avedon, July 1972 |
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| Karen Graham, photo by Victor Skrebneski for Estée Lauder ad campaign, 1972 |
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| Karen Graham, helmet by Don Marshall, photo by Victor Skrebneski for Estée Lauder ad campaign, 1973 |
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| Karen Graham in dress by John Anthony, photo by Victor Skrebneski for Estée Lauder ad campaign, 1973 |
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| Karen Graham in evening dress by Donald Brooks, photo by Victor Skrebneski for Estée Lauder ad campaign, 1973 |
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| Karen Graham in fashion by Stephen Burrows, photo by Victor Skrebneski for Estée Lauder ad campaign, 1973 |
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| Karen Graham in fashion by Stephen Burrows, photo by Victor Skrebneski for Estée Lauder ad campaign, 1973 |
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| Karen Graham in low-cut jersey dress by Neil Brieff stands next to sculpture by Ernest Trova, photo by Kourken Pakchanian, West Palm Beach, Florida, 1973 |
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| Karen Graham in narrow black angora sweater worn with black sequin skirt and scarf by Bill Blass, photo by Irving Penn, US Vogue, September 1973 |
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| Karen Graham, photo by Victor Skrebneski for Estée Lauder ad campaign, 1973 |
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| Karen Graham, photo by Victor Skrebneski for Estée Lauder ad campaign, 1973 |
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| Karen Graham wearing a jersey dress by Leslie Fay, photo by Francesco Scavullo, Vogue, February 1974 |
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| Karen Graham wearing a matching cardigan, skirt and hat by Chester Weinberg, photo by Francesco Scavullo, Vogue, February 1974 |
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| Karen Graham, fashion by Bieff-Herrera, photo by Victor Skrebneski for Estée Lauder ad campaign, 1974 |
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| Karen Graham, photo by Francesco Scavullo, Vogue, February 1974 |
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| Karen Graham, photo by Irving Penn, Vogue Italia, March 1974 |
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| Karen Graham, photo by Victor Skrebneski for Estée Lauder ad campaign, 1974 |
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| Karen Graham in evening dress by Oscar de la Renta, photo by Victor Skrebneski for Estée Lauder ad campaign, 1975 |
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| Karen Graham in evening dress by Scott Barrie, photo by Victor Skrebneski for Estée Lauder ad campaign, 1975 |
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| Karen Graham, photo by Victor Skrebneski for Estée Lauder ad campaign, 1975 |
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| Karen Graham in evening dress and tunic by Mary McFadden, photo by Victor Skrebneski for Estée Lauder, 1976 |
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| Karen Graham in evening dress by Scott Barrie, photo by Victor Skrebneski for Estée Lauder, 1976 |
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| Karen Graham, fashion by Frank Massandrea, photo by Victor Skrebneski for Estée Lauder ad campaign, 1976 |
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| Karen Graham, fashion by Holly Harp, photo by Victor Skrebneski for Estée Lauder ad campaign, 1976 |
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| Karen Graham, photo by Victor Skrebneski, 1977 |
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| Karen Graham, fashion by Edie Gladstone, photo by Victor Skrebneski for Estée Lauder, 1978 |
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