Lucie Daouphars: The Incomparable “Lucky” of the House of Dior

Lucie Daouphars (1922–1963), universally known by her professional moniker Lucky, was the preeminent French fashion model of the 1950s and the most celebrated muse of Christian Dior. Originally a welder during the war, her transformation into the queen of Parisian haute couture is one of fashion’s most legendary tales.

Lucky was famous for her dramatic and haughty catwalk presence, characterized by her piercing dark eyes, high cheekbones, and a regal way of carrying herself that perfectly showcased the architectural elegance of Dior’s “New Look.” Dior often referred to her as his “lucky charm,” and she served as the star of his salon for nearly a decade, embodying the sophisticated feminine ideal of the post-war era.

Beyond her modeling career, she became a pioneer in the industry by founding a successful school for models, passing on her expertise in poise and presentation. Her legacy remains a symbol of the glamour, discipline, and artistic flair that defined the golden age of French fashion.

Lucky in geranium red satin cocktail dress with large bow at neckline by Lanvin-Castillo, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1951

Lucky in pink geranium velvet cocktail dress adorned with black ribbon bow, by Jacques Fath, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1951

Lucky wearing emerald green satin evening gown by Jacques Fath to compliment magnificent emerald and diamond parure by Cartier, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1951

Lucky in black and silver damask dinner dress worn with midnight blue taffeta mantle by Christian Dior, photo by Georges Saad, 1951

Lucky in black wool dress with high neckline,long sleeves and pleats that wrap gracefully around the pencil skirt, by Nina Ricci, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1951

Lucky in cocktail dress of two super-imposed chiffon layers, one blue, one black, bodice is adorned with black velvet bow, sleeves are long and sheer, by Jean Dessès, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1951

Lucky in Dior's black faille spencer jacket over ankle-length red faille dress embroidered in black, photo by Louise Dahl-Wolfe, Harper's Bazaar, October 1951

Lucky in evening coiffure by Guillaume, dress by Carven, jewelry by Sterlé, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1951

Lucky in gray wool jersey dress, skirt is partly pleated in front, worn with wide leather belt, by Jacques Griffe, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1951

Lucky in satin strapless gown with mink-lined satin stole by Lucille Manguin, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1951

Lucky in short dress of great white lace roses on black tulle, the strapless bodice is criss-crossed with black velvet, by Jacques Heim, photo by Louise Dahl-Wolfe, Harper's Bazaar, November 1951

Lucky wearing in superb wide-brimmed hat in black velvet trailing ostrich feathers over one shoulder by Christian Dior, photo by Louise Dahl-Wolfe, Harper's Bazaar UK, October 1951

Lucky wearing luxurious mink cape from Canada Furs - Paris, photo by Intercontinentale. Croquin, Vogue, Paris, September 1951

Lucky in black organdy faille dress draped over one shoulder by Christian Dior, photo by Georges Saad, 1952

Lucky in brown alpaca wool suit, jacket is elongated with blouson back, by Christian Dior, photo by Georges Saad, 1952

Lucky in hat inspired by those worn by Spanish Civil Guard, is made of white gros-grain and ties in the back by Albouy, photo by Georges Saad, 1952

Lucky in luxurious mink stole from Canada Furs, Paris, 1952

Lucky in pale green straw hat with tulle net by Christian Dior, photo by Andre Ostier-Heil, 1952

Lucky wearing a beautiful gray and white organza ball gown, the off-shoulder bodice is adorned with a bouquet of violets, by Nina Ricci, photo by Georges Saad, 1952

Lucky wearing a charming red felt hat adorned with beige felt feather by Rose Valois, photo by Georges Saad, 1952

Lucky wearing a gorgeous gala evening gown of white lace in floral motif by Christian Dior, photo by Georges Saad, 1952

Lucky wearing a lovely dance dress of gray organdy with halter neckline, embroidered with brilliants by Pierre Balmain, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1952

Lucky wearing an evening gown by Christian Dior, photo by Georges Saad, 1952

Lucky wearing small hat of black and natural straw with large mesh voilette by Gilbert Orcel, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1952

Lucky in beautiful embroidered lace dress by Christian Dior, photo by Jacques Decaux, 1953

Lucky in silk tussah cocktail dress by Lanvin-Castillo, photo by Jacques Decaux, 1953

Lucky wearing pearl gray velvet cap adorned with black gros-grain ribbon that ends in buttoned 'griffe' (claw), by Janette Columbier, photo by Georges Saad, 1953

Lucky in lightweight glazed wool suit, the jacket has rounded shoulders and shawl collar, tied at the waist with cord of same material by Pierre Balmain, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1954

Lucky in evening gown, the skirt in two tones of silk organza, the bodice is scalloped on top and pointed below the waist, tied with gold ribbons, by Grès, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1954

Lucky in lace evening gown by Maggy Rouff worn with white fox stole by Mendel, evening clutch by Lesselbaum, photo by Seeberger, Paris, 1954

Lucky in navy and white knit jersey two-piece by Jacques Fath, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1954

Lucky wearing two-piece suit with the new short jacket in pastel wool by Balenciaga, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1954

Lucky holding Miss Dior parfum, photo by Walde Huth, Paris, 1955

Lucky in a fur-lined coat and fur hat by Dior, photo by Walde Huth, Paris 1955

Lucky in Balmain's white wool greatcoat, photo by Louise Dahl-Wolfe, Harper's Bazaar, 1955

Lucky in vivid cerise dress of silk slubbed shantung adorned with one white and one mauve rose, by Balenciaga, photo by Louise Dahl-Wolfe at the Musée d'Art Moderne, Harper's Bazaar, April 1955

Lucky wearing Dior's cocktail dress called "Vanity" from his Y-Line, photo by Walde Huth, Paris 1955

Lucky wearing a cocktail dress, hat and jewelry by Christian Dior, photo by Walde Huth, 1956

Portrait of Lucky, photo by Clement Kachelhoffer, Paris, 1957

Lucky shows a side-view of a satin print dress from the "Trapeze Line" by Yves Saint Laurent for Dior, photo by Willy Maywald, 1958