10/22/2025 General, Books & Autographs
Doyle is honored to present an important and extensive archive of original fashion photographs of model Dorothy Rice, as a feature of the Stage & Screen auction on November 5, 2025. This unique archive comprises her personal collection of approximately 400 photographs spanning her modeling career, circa 1945-1958.
Dorothy Rice (1924-2023) was a multifaceted artist—model, actress and painter—who catapulted to stardom after becoming the face of Christian Dior’s legendary "New Look" collection in 1947. Dorothy appeared in countless magazines, including Vogue, Esquire, Town & Country and Life. In 1953, Esquire did a thirteen-photo spread on Dorothy entitled, "The Girl Who Tops the List of the Ten Most Wanted Models”. During Dorothy’s incredible 18-year career, she collaborated with many of the top high art fashion photographers of the era; Francesco Scavullo, Erwin Blumenfeld, Milton Greene, Roger Prigent, Jerry Plucer-Sarna, to name a few. Dorothy moved in legendary social circles, counting Gore Vidal, Mel Brooks, Anne Bancroft and Ray Bradbury among her friends. She passed away in 2023 at the age of 98.
In advance of the upcoming auction, the directors of the Dorothy Rice Archives—Mark Pittman and Jonell Lennon—answer our questions.
Q: Dorothy was an artistic prodigy who attended the renowned Arts Students League in New York City at the age of 14. How did she go from being a painter to becoming a highly sought-after model in the fashion industry?
A: When Dorothy was 15, on an evening out with classmates at the legendary nightclub El Morocco in Manhattan, she was "discovered" by famed Conde Nast photographer John Rawlings. Dorothy started with 'girl-next-door' shoots for Town & Country and pinups for Earl Moran. Her big break came shortly after World War II when Christian Dior chose her to be the face of his “New Look” collection for American Vogue. Dorothy traveled to Paris for the shoot. Once the issue featuring Dorothy hit the newsstands, Dorothy shot to stardom.
Q: What qualities do you believe led Christian Dior to choose Dorothy as the face of his “New Look” collection?
A: Dior scouted hundreds of models in France before expanding his search to America to find the woman he felt best projected the sultry image he wanted for his collection. Interestingly, Dorothy didn’t yet see herself as a sophisticated woman. She was just 21 and had done mostly girl-next-door shoots. It was Bettina Ballard, the fashion editor at Vogue, who convinced Dorothy that with the right makeup, styling, and attitude she could adapt to fit the part. Dorothy worked with the creative team and studied every aspect of Dior’s collection to ensure she could deliver the look and presence Dior wanted.
Q: In what ways did her modeling career influence her artwork?
A: As a model, Dorothy spent years working with renowned designers, stylists and photographers honing her adaptability and attention to detail. She constantly evolved her look to suit changing tastes; one minute she could look like an ingenue, the next a glamorous runway model. Most of the time Dorothy did her own makeup and hair and credited her artistic eye to keeping her in demand for almost two decades. When Dorothy transitioned back to painting, she took a similar approach as she did to modeling, constantly studying and experimenting with different styles and techniques.
Q: How long did Dorothy live at the Barbizon Hotel, the famous women’s only residence in Manhattan?
A: Dorothy lived there for nine years. The hotel was filled with aspiring models, actresses, dancers and artists. She loved being part of a female artistic community and supporting other women. Grace Kelly lived on the same floor as Dorothy. It was during this time that Dorothy met her husband, Stanley Chase (producer of The Threepenny Opera, Colossus: The Forbin Project, Fear on Trial). She was 29, he was 26 and still living with his parents in Brooklyn. His producing career was just taking off. Stanley valued Dorothy’s intellect and talent as well as her beauty. Dorothy said marrying him was the best decision she ever made. They had a shared vision and supported each other in their artistic pursuits, which wasn’t typical of the time. They were married for over 60 years.
Q: Why did Dorothy hold onto this special photograph collection all these years?
A: Many collectors have tried to purchase the photos from Dorothy, but she didn’t want to part with them. She cherished each one. Dorothy wasn’t just a hired model. She was friends and collaborators with many of the photographers. Dorothy was proud of what they accomplished together and loved to show them off. Her hope was that after she passed away the collection would wind up in the hands of someone who loves them as much as she did.
Q: Dorothy achieved so much in her 98 years. What was the driving force behind her remarkable life?
A: From an early age, Dorothy had a vision for the way she wanted to live and what she hoped to accomplish. She was ahead of her time and uncompromising. A few years before Dorothy passed away, she wrote: “The ability to make my own choices was paramount to me, the very cornerstone of my existence, and I never gave that up.”
Auction Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at 10am
Exhibition Nov 1 – 2
Lot 10
The important and extensive archive of original fashion photographs of model Dorothy Rice, circa 1945-1958, approximately 400 vintage gelatin silver prints and other photographs.
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