Ford Models Founder Eileen Ford Dies at 92

Eileen Ford, founder of Ford Models, has passed away at the age of 92. Last week, she was rushed to the hospital after falling in her New York City apartment. Along with her husband Jerry (who passed in 1998), Ford started the agency in 1946 which ultimately redefined the modeling world, brought glamour to the trade and helped turned the modeling industry into a lucrative career option.

Ford has had a knockout roster over the yeas, boasting names like Christie Brinkley, Christy Turlington, Alek Wek, Elle MacPherson, Ali MacGraw, Brooke Shields and countless others. Ford had a firm hand in pushing her beauty aesthetic and the world lapped it up. Her agency was, and still is, one of the most prominent around.

“Eileen Ford was an industry icon and pioneer and everyone in the Ford Models family will miss her dearly,” Ford Models said when we reached out. “Eileen’s contributions to the modeling and fashion industries are unmatched. She founded Ford Models 68 years ago and due to her unwavering passion, curiosity and drive, grew Ford into one of the world’s most prestigious agencies. We are incredibly proud and grateful for her revolutionary spirit and the values she instilled in Ford Models.”

Past clients of Ford’s have taken to social media to pay tribute to the late great agent, with the legendary Beverly Johnson and Cheryl Tiegs, both tweeting their condolences.

Eileen Ford of the great Ford Modeling Agency passed yesterday..The Ford Agency was my first agent.. @CherylTiegs @kathyireland

— Beverly Johnson (@BeverlyJohnson1) July 10, 2014

Ford’s life will be the subject of a biography, Model Woman, due out next year. She leaves behind four children, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

[h/t People]