A FEW THINGS ABOUT / POLLY MELLEN

Fashion legend Polly Mellen has a rich history of fabulousness. Protégé of über legend Diana Vreeland, Mellon started her career as sittings editor at Harper's Bazaar. She then moved on to glossy bible Vogue, which she edited for 28 years. From Vogue, Mellen moved to Allure, where she was creative director for the bulk of the 90's. At 84 years young, Mellen resides on an converted apple farm in Connecticut (click for VOGUE feature) and consults on various fashion related projects.

Polly has worked with photography legends Irving Penn, Richard Avedon, Helmut Newton, and Arthur Elgort. Her favorite? Avedon. Together they captured the  famous NASTASSJA KINSKI AND THE SERPENT styled with the eternally chic Patricia Von Muslin ivory cuff. Avedon said of Polly "She was and still is the most creative sittings editor I ever worked with." Major.

Her work didn't end with clothes– she helped propel Penelope Tree, Lauren Hutton, Patti Hansen and Naomi Campbell to model superstardom.

Polly was interviewed and featured in Francesco Scavullo's SCAVULLO WOMEN. Her style philosophy? "Style can be a person who is not beautiful-looking. Style is a person who dares, who has the confidence of knowing what is right for her. I've said a lot of times that you should try something out something first before you take it out. But I don't do that always. Sometimes I just put on my purple leather pumps, with the bright green cocardes on the toes, and go out anyway."

Mrs. Mellen has been married to Henry Wigglesworth Mellen since 1965. She's raised four children, five grandchildren and her fair share fashion editors. Among her fashion editor births? Vera Wang and Joe Zee.

Zee recently DROPPED THE SCOOP that we should be expecting the latest in fashion film, a documentary on Polly Mellen's fruitful life. We wait with bated breath! Until then, we look forward to catching the ageless beauty on the Met Ball's red carpet.