#patchett

Horst P. Horst. Made for You, Vogue October 1, 1948 Dress by Henri Bendel. Model: American Goddess : Jean Patchett

I could barely walk and had a headache the next day.

- Jean Patchett, fashion model and icon.

For the April 1, 1950 issue of Vogue, Jean Patchett, a fashion icon of her day, travelled to Cuba. She met Ernest Hemingway, sat with him, and talked for hours. During their time, Hemingway kept her wine glass full. In proper etiquette, Patchett could not refuse her host. By the end of their interview, she was sloshed with drink.

They met at his Cuban ranch and the shot was captured by fashion photographer Clifford Coffin. At Hemingway’s feet lays his beloved Black Dog and his hand rests on Ecstacy, one of his eleven cats. Jean sits, reserved, holding Boise. Hemingway elected to go shirtless and shoeless for the interview and photo shoot and Jean commented that Mr. Hemingway smelled bad.

Hemingway was enjoying a daiquiri, a favourite of Papa’s. The tension between the two is palpable and Hemingway appears completely in control of his domain. Although Hemingway is iconic in many realms, this shot captures the essence of summer - craft cocktails, casual conversation, international models, slow days, Cuban ranches.