Glamorous Photos of Italian Model Isa Stoppi in the 1960s ~ Vintage Everyday

Born 1941 in Tajura, an oasis town in Libya, Isa Stoppi was one of the most celebrated Italian models of the ’60s favored by photographers such as Gian Paolo Barbieri, Milton Greene, Bert Stern, Henry Clarke, and Richard Avedon.

Isa Stoppi in the 1960s

Known as “the model with two lakes for eyes,” a reputation coined by Avedon, Stoppi’s rise in the Olympus of fashion began with the 1962 Miss Universe pageant, where she represented the least obvious Italian beauty ever: tall, blonde, and with blue eyes. However, the elegance of her features struck Diana Vreeland, the powerful editor of Vogue, and from that moment Stoppi was celebrated throughout the ’60s on the covers of the most prestigious magazines in the world. She was the face of fashion houses like Valentino, and loved by Giorgio Armani, Gianni Versace, and Emilio Pucci.

In 1972, Stoppi abandoned her modeling career to marry and raise a family, while also working as a fashion editor for Vogue Italia. In 2016, she became immortalized in Isa Stoppi, The Book, a photographic biography by Silvana Editoriale. In the volume, available in Italian and English, 220 striking images chart her rise, starting with her pivotal career-launching collaboration with Gian Paolo Barbieri in which she has a snake draped over her shoulder.

Stoppi died in 2020 in Milan. Take a look at these glamorous photos to see portraits of young Isa Stoppi as a model in the 1960s.

Isa Stoppi in lynx fur coat, photo by Johnny Moncada, 1960

Isa Stoppi in Taroni rhodia brocade redingote by Veniziani of Milan, Harper's Bazaar UK, October 1965

Isa Stoppi depicted here as Spring, designed by Pablo of Elizabeth Arden, photo by Irving Penn, Vogue, December 1, 1966

Isa Stoppi in celery-green short silk chiffon smock with sparkling orange and green beaded yoke by Mollie Parnis, earrings by Charles Elkaim, photo by Louis Faurer, Harper's Bazaar, February 1966

Isa Stoppi in violet gingham dress with upstanding collar and narrow sleeves by Craig Casuals, bag by Emilio Pucci, Ruel of Coiffures Americana updo, photo by Irving Penn, Vogue, January 1, 1966

Isa Stoppi is coiffured and clad in Richelieu pearls designed by Mark Traynor, photo by James Moore, Harper's Bazaar UK, October 1966

Isa Stoppi is wearing peacock feather earrings by Chrystya Olenska for Hattie Carnegie, her makeup is by Max Factor, photo by James Moore, Harper's Bazaar, March 1966

Isa Stoppi, jewelry by Bvlgari, make-up by Pablo for Elizabeth Arden, photo by Gian Paola Barbieri, 1966

Italian model Isa Stoppi is wearing yellow ribbed tank and pants by Loomtogs, photo by John Cowan, Vogue US, January 1, 1966

Isa Stoppi in a large square pattern wool-mohair blend coat tied with a thin leather belt by Lanvin, photo by Jean Louis Guégan, 1967

Isa Stoppi in African inspired sequined evening dress by Christian Dior, photo by Jean Louis Guégan, 1967

Isa Stoppi in black velvet jumper-pajamas with kimono sleeves, swimming with waves of silver Oriental flowers by Sarmi, earrings by Atelier Nina, photo by Neal Barr, Harper's Bazaar, October 1967

Isa Stoppi in colorful banded chiffon evening dress, with jeweled collar and single cuff, by Christian Dior, photo by Jean Louis Guégan, 1967

Isa Stoppi in deep powder-blue crushed velvet caftan traced with silver flowers and richly braided by George Halley, jewelry by Jules Van Rouge, mules by Herbert Levine, photo by Neal Barr, Harper's Bazaar, October 1967

Isa Stoppi in pure wool knit dress by Kimberly, Vogue, December 1, 1967

Isa Stoppi in white jersey dress belted and hemmed in poppy red band by Jean Patou, photo by Jean Louis Guégan, 1967

Isa Stoppi's "Northern Lights" make-up by Pablo of Elizabeth Arden, earrings by Jane Bolles, sequined dress by Anne Fogarty, photo by Gianni Penati, Vogue, September 15, 1967