AP Photo/Marty LederhandlerEileen Ford, the founder of Ford Models, has passed away. The legendary fashion industry icon, who died Wednesday, was 92 years old.
Ford Models said in a statement today, "Eileen Ford was an industry icon and pioneer and everyone in the Ford Models family will miss her dearly. 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."
Supermodel Christie Brinkley shared a sweet photo of her and Ford together along with a sweet message in response to the sad news.
"I was lucky to call Eileen Ford my agent," Brinkley wrote. "She was the best in the business. She saw something in me and with her brilliant business acumen, her knowledge, experience, and personal touch she took me from Malibu surfer girl and guided my career thru covers and contracts to places I never imagined like the Broadway stage! The last time I ever saw Eileen was in this photo ...I was so proud that a true living legend had come to see me perform in the play Chicago and i wanted to do my best performance for her because it was the least I could do for someone who gave me the world. My heartfelt condolences and love to her cherished family."
Meanwhile, Cheryl Tiegs tweeted, "RIP #EileenFord @BeverlyJohnson1 @kathyireland So sad," while Beverly Johnson shared, "Eileen Ford of the great Ford Modeling Agency passed yesterday..The Ford Agency was my first agent.. @CherylTiegs @kathyireland."
In addition to Brinkley, Ford helped launch the careers of stars like Candice Bergen, Lauren Hutton and Jane Fonda.