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Dovima

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Dovima was a famous American fashion model during the 1950s. Her real name was Dorothy Virginia Margaret Juba. She was born in Queens, New York, on December 11, 1927. Dovima was a pioneer in the fashion industry. She was the very first model to use a single professional name. She created this name using a unique method. She took the first two letters from each of her three given names.

Her rise to fame happened almost overnight in New York City. An editor from Vogue magazine discovered her while she was on a sidewalk. The discovery led to immediate professional opportunities. She participated in a photo shoot with Irving Penn the very next day. This rapid start launched a highly successful career. She soon became a central figure in high fashion photography.

Throughout her career, Dovima worked with several legendary artists. She had a very close professional relationship with photographer Richard Avedon. One of their most famous collaborations is an iconic photograph. It is titled "Dovima with the Elephants." This photo was taken in August 1955 at the Cirque d'hiver in Paris. In the image, she wears a floor-length black evening gown. This specific gown holds historical importance in fashion. It was the first evening dress designed for Christian Dior by his assistant, Yves Saint-Laurent.

The "Dovima with the Elephants" photograph became a major cultural icon. Its value grew significantly over many decades. In 2010, the photograph sold for $1,151,976. This high price reflects the lasting impact of her work. Dovima was also a leader in terms of professional earnings. She was reputed to be the highest-paid model of her era. She was often called the "Dollar-a-Minute Girl."

Her earning power was much higher than her peers. Dovima demanded $60 per hour for her work. At that time, most top models earned only around $25 per hour. This significant difference highlights her status in the industry. Beyond modeling, she also explored the world of acting. She had a minor role in the 1957 film Funny Face. She played a character named Marion. The role depicted a fashion model who appeared aristocratic but empty-headed.

Dovima's personal life underwent many changes after her peak fame. She had a daughter named Allison on July 14, 1958, in Manhattan. Allison's father was Allan Murray, who was Dovima's second husband. However, the marriage eventually ended in divorce. This divorce left Dovima with no money. During the 1960s, she attempted to build new careers. She tried acting and worked as a talent agent. Neither of these paths brought her much success.

In her later years, Dovima lived a much quieter life. By the 1970s, she had moved in with her parents in Florida. During the 1980s, she worked as a hostess at The Two Guys Pizza Parlor in Fort Lauderdale. This was a significant change from her days as a global fashion icon. Dovima passed away on May 3, 1990. She died of liver cancer at the age of 62. Her life remains a notable chapter in the history of 20th-century American fashion and film.

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