Gunila: The Sculpted Grace of Mid-Century High Fashion

Gunila was one of the most striking faces of the 1950s and ’60s, a model who epitomized the “Nordic look” that fascinated the international fashion world. With her razor-sharp cheekbones, wide-set eyes, and an almost architectural sense of poise, she was a favorite muse for legendary photographers like Philippe Pottier, Irving Penn and Richard Avedon.

Gunila possessed a rare ability to transition from the stiff, aristocratic elegance of early ’50s couture to the youthful, avant-garde energy of the early ’60s. Often draped in the masterpieces of Cristóbal Balenciaga or Christian Dior, she didn’t just wear clothes, she gave them structure and movement.

Whether captured in a stark studio setting or on the chic streets of Paris, Gunila’s presence on the pages of Vogue represented a shift toward a more sophisticated, independent female ideal.

Gunila in black velvet coat lined with quilted satin worn over a black wool dress by Jean Patou, worn with a black fox fur hat, photo by Georges Saad, 1956

Gunila in black velvet dress over white tulle bubble skirt, white tulle also gathered at the décolletage, by Christian Dior, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1957

Gunila in charming dress of black and white mesh with white lace, bodice is black velvet, by Guy Laroche, photo Philippe Pottier, 1957

Gunila in elegant wool suit by Jacques Griffe, photo by Nicole Bukzin, 1957

A single large white rose adorns the crown of this dark green straw cloche by Jean Barthet worn by Gunila, jewelry by Boucheron, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1958

Gunila in beautiful sheath of green lace over white satin by Grès, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1958

Gunila in black and white tweed dress cinched in leather bow belt above the waist, by Pierre Cardin, shoes by Charles Jourdan, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1958

Gunila in black gaufre dress, softly gathered skirt is belted high, the draped neckline covers the shoulders and is crossed in front by Maggy Rouff, hat by Jean Barthet, jewelry by Winter, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1958

Gunila in black satin dinner/cocktail dress with asymmetrical neckline by Jean Patou, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1958

Gunila in black sheath dress worn under a very short jacket featuring pleated folds at the shoulder giving it a round silhouette by Jean Patou, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1958

Gunila in black wool dinner dress, featuring large wide collar and high waist tied in square knot held with jeweled pin by Maggy Rouff, hat by Jean Barthet, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1958

Gunila in charming short Empire dress with double ribbons tied under the bust by Lanvin-Castillo, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1958

Gunila in double breasted slim wool suit with over-sized collar by Pierre Cardin, photo by Philippe Pottier, L'Officiel, 1958

Gunila in full-cut, high-waist wool coat with large sheared beaver collar by Pierre Cardin, handbag and gloves by Hermès, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1958

Gunila in grey woolen cape covers this smart woolen braid suit of beige and grey, matching fringed scarf completes the ensemble by Manguin, handbag by Ferest, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1958

Gunila in lovely party dress of white tulle inlaid with brown lace, chocolate satin bow with long streamers adorns the bodice, by Lanvin-Castillo, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1958

Gunila in lovely pink wool suit worn over a silk chiffon blouse printed in shades of yellow, jacket is lined in same material, by Carven, hat by Cécile Billard, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1958

Gunila in olive-green wool suit worn over almond velvet blouse by Jean Patou, hat by Claude St. Cyr, gloves and bag by Hermès, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1958

Gunila in pale pink baku straw cloche adorned with two roses and sheer voilette by Rose Valois, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1958

Gunila in purple wool dress and jacket, dress cinched with knotted suede belt, by Jacques Heim, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1958

Gunila in short mink jacket by Revillon, hat by Gilbert Orcel, handbag by Ferest, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1958

Gunila in strapless print dress molded to the body past the hips then flaring out into a wide ruffle by Grès, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1958

Gunila in textured Empire waist dinner dress belted high in leather bow by (Jules Crahay) Nina Ricci, layered tulle turban by Jean Barthet, jewelry by Marcassite, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1958

Gunila in wool suit tied to the side with bow and featuring black mink collar and black mink toque by Lanvin-Castillo, necklace by Scémama, crocodile handbag by Ferest, photo by Philippe Pottier, L'officiel, 1958

Gunila is wearing a soft supple hat in greige shantung by Jean Barthet, brooch by Marcassite, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1958

Gunila in floaty red chiffon dress by Yves Saint Laurent for Christian Dior, shoes by Charles Jourdan, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1959

Gunila in lightweight yellow wool suit, jacket is short and has large white organdie collar decorated with a white rose by Pierre Cardin, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1959

Gunila in very fine wool suit featuring longer jacket by Jules Crahay for Nina Ricci, hat by Jean Barthet and croc handbag by Ferest, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1959

Gunila in camel-wool suit, jacket closes with one button, collar ties like scarf, 3/4 sleeves, skirt is narrow, by Pierre Balmain, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1960

Gunila in lovely organza gown split on the side and in several layers in the skirt, decorated with large rose at the waist by Lanvin-Castillo, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1960

Gunila in pale pink crêpe dress, softly draped and gathered with rose nestled in fold at the waist, by Pierre Cardin, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1960

Gunila in pink silk faille cocktail dress, bodice is held by two front straps fastened by jewel, skirt is softly gathered bell, by (YSL) Christian Dior, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1960

Gunila in turquoise blue Shetland wool suit with double-breasted jacket and round sheared beaver collar by Pierre Cardin, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1960