In 1965, Mel Sokolsky, inspired, I was told, by one of the Breck ads that he’d shot of another model and me in profile, created this Mitsouko Perfume by Guerlain ad, which won awards internationally.
The photo itself was so striking that it was used illegally internationally. A friend brought a poster and matchbook cover back from South America where a beauty spa had used the picture to advertise their services. I saw it used in a picture frame from Germany on sale in a department store. It was quite famous in the 60s and, unfortunately, the picture was used by businesses who had no rights to do so.
Mitsouko by Guerlain Perfume Ad. Photo by Mel Sokolsky
On the shoot was Mel Sokolsky’s very nice and efficient assistant who I called “Alice.” As his assistant she made sure I was comfortable, brought me coffee, got me to the hair and makeup people, etc., etc. Quite soon thereafter I would be surprised to see her on the silver screen, and her name was not Alice; it was Ali. As in Ali MacGraw! She was starring in “Goodbye Columbus,” soon followed by “Love Story,” and thereafter became a major star and an icon of the 60s!
I think the ad was stunning and am proud to have taken a part in it.
