Gorgeous Fashion Portraits of Sue Jenks From the Early 1950s

Sue Jenks was a prominent American fashion model of the late 1940s and early 1950s, frequently appearing in Vogue and other leading magazines of the era. She was photographed by some of the most renowned fashion photographers of the time, including Horst P. Horst, Frances McLaughlin-Gill, and Henry Clarke.

One of her most notable appearances was in the January 1, 1949 issue of Vogue, where she was photographed by Horst P. Horst wearing a pin-checked dress by Sheila Lynn, paired with a yellow hat with a face veil and matching gloves—a perfect example of postwar elegance. She also featured in memorable editorials such as Vogue (March 1952), Glamour (June 1952), and a Vogue Portugal beach spread shot by Henry Clarke in June 1952.

Jenks was also married to fashion photographer William Helburn, becoming a muse for his creative work. Her poised presence and timeless style made her one of the unforgettable faces of mid-century American fashion. Take a look at these gorgeous photos of a young Sue Jenks from the early 1950s.

Sue Jenks in white piqué dress with the V-neckline in the back by Pat Premo, photo by Frances McLaughlin, Vogue, December 1951

Sue Jenks, photo by William Helburn, The Bride's Magazine, 1951

Sue Jenks in a navy blue jersey dress cinched at the waist with a blonde calf belt, 1952

Sue Jenks in a white cotton dress and holding a scarf, photo by Frances McLaughlin-Gill, Glamour, June 1952

Sue Jenks in beach wear from Joset Walker, photo by Henry Clarke in Portugal, 1952

Sue Jenks in blue and white striped organdie sunsuit over underpants with cotton eyelet ruffles by Tina Leser, photo by Henry Clarke, Lisbon, Portugal, Vogue, May 1, 1952

Sue Jenks in boned bra and bloomers and jacket all of terry cloth by Caltex of California, photo by Henry Clarke in Portugal, Vogue, June 1, 1952

Sue Jenks in charming Swiss organdy dress sashed in pale blue satin and mess jacket of bright pink wool by Traina-Norell, photo by Frances McLaughlin, Vogue, January 1, 1952

Sue Jenks in little top in tight little pattern of silk-like cotton with a big checked skirt of broadcloth by Sportwhirl, all-metal belt made-to-measure at Mr. John, photo by Henry Clarke in Portugal, Vogue, June 1, 1952

Sue Jenks in lovely dress of pale gray Cone denim with white organdy cuffs and belt of lemon calfskin by Jane Derby, photo by Clifford Coffin, Vogue, January 1, 1952

Sue Jenks in navy blue one-piece bathing suit of nylon taffeta, the sides woven of Lastex yarn by Jantzen, scarf by Vera, photo by Henry Clarke in Portugal, Vogue, May 1, 1952

Sue Jenks in navy blue tweed coat that reverses at night to a blond silk taffeta, by Jane Derby, photo by Frances McLaughlin, Vogue, March 1, 1952

Sue Jenks in reversible shirt of a tidy stripe into a shadowy gray by Bonnie Cashin, photo by Henry Clarke, Portugal, Vogue, June 1, 1952

Sue Jenks in ruffled organdy dress by Benham, Harper's Bazaar, April 1952

Sue Jenks in white piqué sunsuit pied with more white - horsehair worked in scrolls all over the top and shorts by Emilio of Capri for Haymaker, photo by henry Clarke in Portugal, Vogue, June 1, 1952

Sue Jenks in white seersucker sundress, strapless, the bodice shirred and cinched with brown burlap fascia by Joset Walker, photo by Frances McLaughlin, Vogue, April 15, 1952

Sue Jenks in white tucked cotton shirt and a black linen skirt with fascia waist and a run of grosgrain ribbon on the sides by Brigance, photo by Henry Clarke, Portugal, Vogue, May 1, 1952

Sue Jenks in wrap-around dress of shiny pink cotton with a copper edge by Carolyn Schnurer, photo by Henry Clarke in Portugal, Vogue, May 1, 1952

Sue Jenks wearing white linen capri pants worn with a soft jacket with an officer collar and three-quarter sleeves by Jacques Heim, photo by Henry Clarke, Portugal, Vogue, Paris, June 1952

Sue Jenks, ad for Helena Rubinstein's bath and beauty treatment, Vogue, January 1953