Some Portraits of Rene Russo on Vogue Covers Throughout the 1970s

Before her Hollywood breakout, Rene Russo was one of the most successful supermodels of the 1970s. Discovered at a Rolling Stones concert at age 17, she quickly became a favorite of legendary photographers like Francesco Scavullo and Richard Avedon.

In the mid-1970s, Russo was nearly ubiquitous on newsstands, often alternating covers with other icons of the era like Patti Hansen and Rosie Vela. Russo was a muse for Francesco Scavullo, who captured her most famous high-glamour looks, often featuring decadent furs, bold 1970s makeup, and “big hair.”

Vogue editors frequently praised her for being able to pivot from “accessible and aspirational” beach shoots to high-power editorial looks that demanded a certain “tenacity.”

By the late 1970s and early 1980s, as the “supermodel” era shifted, Russo began transitioning into acting, eventually retiring from modeling entirely to pursue the film career she is known for today. Below are some portraits of Rene Russo on Vogue covers throughout the 1970s:

Vogue US April 1974, by Richard Avedon.

Vogue US July 1974, by Francesco Scavullo.

Vogue Italia September 1974, by Francesco Scavullo.

Vogue Italia September 1974, by Francesco Scavullo.

Vogue US October 1974, by Francesco Scavullo.

Vogue Italia December 1974, by Francesco Scavullo.

Vogue US March and May 1976, by Francesco Scavullo

Vogue US April 1975, by Richard Avedon.

Vogue US March and May 1976, by Francesco Scavullo

Vogue Brasil June 1975.

Vogue US July 1975, by Francesco Scavullo.

Vogue US July 1976, by Arthur Elgort.

Vogue US November 1977, by Patrick Demarchelier.