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February 20, 2026

Merle Lynn: The Vogue Muse Who Became a Novelist

Merle Lynn was a distinguished high-fashion model who became a prominent face of the early 1960s couture scene. Born in February 1943, she possessed a refined elegance that captured the attention of legendary photographers like Richard Dormer and Guy Bourdin, appearing in prestigious publications such as Paris Vogue and the Vogue Pattern Book.

Beyond her success on the runway and in beauty campaigns for brands like Estée Lauder, Lynn revealed a creative depth that extended into the literary world. Writing under the name Merle Lynn Browne, she authored novels including The Ravishers and The Arousers, often collaborating with her husband, the New York Times best-selling novelist Gerald A. Browne.

Her journey from a high-fashion muse in Paris to a published author remains a testament to her multifaceted talent. She shares a quiet, creative life with her husband in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Merle Lynn, make-up for eyes 'Evening Star' and nail polish 'White Frost' by Estee Lauder, photo by Guy Bourdin, Paris Vogue, December 1966

Merle Lynn in worsted twill dress by Susan Small, photo by Richard Rutledge, Harper's Bazaar UK, April 1966

Merle Lynn in apres-ski felt jacket with diamond pattern by Hermès, photo by Jean Louis Guégan, 1965

Merle Lynn in metallic dress with short St.Gall metallic lace bolero by Yves Saint Laurent, photo by Tom Kublin, 1965

Merle Lynn in beautiful evening dress of white silk jersey with a high waist, long floating panels on each side and one in back worn as a loose cowl hood by Patricia at Aldo Bruno, photo by Bill King, Harper's Bazaar UK, September 1966

Merle Lynn in beautiful gala-gown of aquamarine silk tulle scattered with paillettes and jewels with the back swinging free by Norman Hartnell, photo by Bill King, Harper's Bazaar UK, September 1966

Merle Lynn in brilliant traveling coat of thick pimento double wool faced with mustard by Michael, hat of same material by Graham Smith, photo by Bill King, Harper's Bazaar UK, September 1966

Merle Lynn in glamorous shirtdress in almond pink chiffon smothered with opalescent sequins and belted with soft kid by John Cavanagh, photo by Bill King, Harper's Bazaar UK, September 1966

Merle Lynn in short silk shift decorated with bands of paillettes by Pierre Cardin, photo by Seeberger, 1966

Merle Lynn in versatile raincoat of black and white embossed waterproof ciré, belted in back with collar and hat of SAGA mink by Ronald Paterson, photo by Bill King, Harper's Bazaar UK, September 1966

Merle Lynn in a mother-of-pearl suit shimmering with masses of sequins and diamanté buttons worn with sequined beret, all from Christian Dior-London, Harper's Bazaar UK, February 1967

Merle Lynn in a slim double-breasted Southwest African Persian lamb coat, photo by Henry Clarke for Vogue UK, 1967

Merle Lynn in Arnel crêpe dress in window-pane check of white, hot-pink and orange with attached stole by Adri, Harper's Bazaar, October 1967

Merle Lynn in Arnel rayon-crêpe sleeveless shift in swirling colors of the rainbow by Leonard Arkin, Harper's Bazaar, October 1967

Merle Lynn in Arnel-crêpe tent-dress in cobblestone print in pink, blue, orange and green on white by Betse Cann, Harper's Bazaar, October 1967

Merle Lynn in beautiful ivory Thailand silk caftan trimmed with gold braid and pearls with matching headdress and ivory tulle veil at Belinda Bellville, Harper's Bazaar UK, February 1967

Merle Lynn in classic suit in navy-and-white fancy-weave wool with red linen blouse by Christian Dior Boutique at Harrods, Harper's Bazaar UK, March 1967

Merle Lynn in pink Celanese rayon-crêpe dress with long feather boa by Helga at Maas Brothers, Harper's Bazaar, October 1967

Merle Lynn wearing an extraordinary necklace of a clear yellow sapphire pendant clasped to blue and yellow sapphires and diamonds set in gold by Van Cleef & Arpels, photo by Neal Barr, Harper's Bazaar, December 1967

Merle Lynn in dress of metallic and nylon with golden curliques of lace at Saks Fifth Avenue, Vogue, December 1, 1968

Merle Lynn in Kodel polyester shirt by Lady Manhattan, Harper's Bazaar, December 1968

Merle Lynn in lovely dress of warp printed taffeta at Saks Fifth Avenue, Vogue, March 15, 1968

Merle Lynn in nylon tricot gown and peignoir by Stevens, Vogue, May 1, 1968

Merle Lynn in red Forstmann's wool coat with mandarin collar by Jack Sarnoff, Vogue, September 15, 1968

Merle Lynn wearing Frosting Lipstick by Revlon, Harper's Bazaar, November 1968

Merle Lynn in beautful silk crêpe dress with two floating panels falling from the shoulders by Richard Tam at I.Magnin, photo by Jack Cowley, Harper's Bazaar, August 1969

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