Lauren Hutton, born Mary Laurence Hutton on November 17, 1943, in Charleston, South Carolina, rose from a modest upbringing to become one of the most iconic figures in fashion and film. Raised in Florida after her parents’ divorce, Hutton studied art at the University of South Florida and Tulane University, where her free-spirited nature and striking looks hinted at a future far beyond the classroom.

Her modeling career took off in 1960s New York, where she signed with Ford Models. Her signature gap-toothed smile—initially considered a flaw—became her trademark. In 1973, she shattered industry norms by landing a $250,000 exclusive deal with Revlon, the highest modeling contract of its time.