Stunning Portrait Photos of British Model Penelope Tree in the 1960s ~ Vintage Everyday

Born 1949 in the United States, and grew up in London, British model Penelope Tree became an icon of the 1960s fashion scene, particularly known for her unique look and association with the avant-garde and countercultural movements of that time. Penelope’s striking features, with her large eyes and elongated face, set her apart from the traditional beauties of the time. She was often photographed by renowned photographers like Richard Avedon and David Bailey.

Penelope Tree’s androgynous appearance, with her slim figure and boyish looks, made her a favorite of the mod and hippie subcultures. She also became a muse for the art world and appeared in magazines like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle. Her looks captured the spirit of the era, aligning with the shifting ideals of beauty and youth.

Despite her success as a model, Penelope Tree did not fully embrace the traditional modeling world and ultimately distanced herself from the fashion industry, seeking a more private life away from the spotlight. Her influence as a fashion icon is still celebrated today, with her style and legacy serving as an inspiration for both modern fashion and photography.

Take a look at these stunning photos to see fashion portraits of Penelope Tree in the 1960s.

Penelope Tree, Painted Faces fashion, photo by Douglas Kirkland, NYC, 1967

Penelope Tree photographed by Patrick Lichfield, June 26, 1967

Penelope Tree and the legendary diamond of 90.38 carats known as the Briolette of India, photo by Richard Avedon, Vogue, October 1, 1967

Penelope Tree in a covered wide-falling black velvet tunic that ends with a deep sheer hem of jewel-embroidered organza by George Halley, jeweled black stockings by Hudson, photo by Richard Avedon, Vogue, October 1, 1967

Penelope Tree in a marvelous black wool crêpe dress spangled with hundreds of small faceted mirrors by Donald Brooks, coiffure by Ara Galant, photo by Richard Avedon, Vogue, October 1, 1967

Penelope Tree in a silk and velvet tunic dress of orange cut-velvet flowers, full-sleeved and simply tied at the neck and wrists by Rudi Gernreich, photo by Richard Avedon, Vogue, October 1, 1967

Penelope Tree in side-closed smock of Royal Stuart tartan with large panel pleat in front and many small pleats in back by Edie Gladstone, stocking-boots by Evins, coiffure by Ara Galant, photo by Richard Avedon, Vogue, October 1, 1967

Penelope Tree reclining on a paisley-covered couch, wearing black velvet minidress with ostrich fringe, photo by Arnaud De Rosnay, Vogue, October 1967

Penelope Tree, hair by Ara Gallant, photo by Richard Avedon, New York, November 20, 1967

Penelope Tree, photo by Cecil Beaton, Vogue, 1967

Penelope Tree, photo by David Bailey, Vogue, November 1967

Penelope Tree, photo by Richard Avedon, Vogue, October 1967

Penelope Tree applying eye makeup, NYC, 1968

Penelope Tree in bare-midriff pyjamas of big-cat black spots over tawny transparent organza with a sleeveless little cardigan by Givenchy, photo by Richard Avedon, Vogue, March 15, 1968

Penelope Tree in black wool crêped tubular dress harnessed by metal sculpture of polished steel flashed by diamond bulb, dress by Cardin, photo by Richard Avedon, Vogue, March 15, 1968

Penelope Tree in brilliant yellow crêpe bias toga that folds over a classic dress slit high on one side by Castillo, photo by Richard Avedon, Vogue, March 15, 1968

Penelope Tree in charming party dress in navy-and-white organdie with a long waist and short dirndl skirt by Courrèges Boutique, photo by Richard Avedon, Vogue, April 15, 1968

Penelope Tree in little white rayon dress with a smocked yoke by Teal Traina, necklace wound round the arm by Sant' Angelo, coiffure fantasy by Ara Gallant, photo by Richard Avedon, Vogue, January 15, 1968

Penelope Tree in marvelous white crêpe poncho-shirt by Dorcia Originals, coiffure-fantasy by Ara Gallant, photo by Richard Avedon, Vogue, January 15, 1968

Penelope Tree in scalloped pink lineny-cotton jumpsuit with the deepest, widest V, nothing but a narrow band holds it just under the bosom by Courrèges, photo by Richard Avedon, Vogue, March 15, 1968

Penelope Tree in tobacco linen skirt that falls in a fan of pleats over one leg, wraps over one shoulder with a slit for the arm, worn over tiny shorts by Grès, photo by Richard Avedon, Vogue, March 15, 1968

Penelope Tree in turquoise sateen shirt sprinkled with colorful flowers and rick-rack stripes of red and gold by Vera, velveteen paisley toque by Mr. John, photo by David Bailey, Vogue, August 1, 1968

Penelope Tree is wearing a pre-Raphaelite look of foam-white ringlets created by Ara Gallant, photo by Richard Avedon, Vogue, January 15, 1968

Penelope Tree on a Paris street, wearing Chairman Mao-influenced suit made of shantung silk, brass buttons down front, photo by Arnaud de Rosnay, 1968