Marion woman recalls life as glamorous New York fashion model
Staff reporter
It was a different time in the 1940s.
Large department stores went all out to display their goods with professionally-designed store windows and women modeling the clothing.
For Gunnie Severs of Marion, it was the time of her life.
Born in 1923 in Jamestown, N.Y., Gunvor Severs was born to Swedish immigrants. She graduated from high school in 1942, and worked in the display department of a large department store, Bigelow's.
"Bigelow's was THE department store at that time," said Gunnie.
In 1943, she and a girlfriend moved to New York City where they shared a one-room, brownstone apartment.
"It was an exciting time," said Gunnie. "Everything was so different there."
Her girlfriend attended the Pratt Institute and Gunnie enjoyed the college atmosphere. The apartment building was four stories tall with two rooms on each floor. Most who lived there were single women, said Gunnie, except the top floor where some sailors lived.
"The sailors made it fun," said Gunnie.
Gunnie worked in retail sales — any job she could find.
"I wanted to work in the art department and design store windows," she said.
Her wishes came true when she landed a job in the art department at Gimbels Department Store. Gunnie's job was to dress mannequins and assist with the design of the windows.
"The windows were works of art," she said. She remained at Gimbels for two years.
Gunnie was first exposed to fashion modeling when a girlfriend invited Gunnie to come with her to a job. At that time, Gunnie found her calling.
"I took small jobs here and there," Gunnie recalled. "I worked for a designer who showed garments to buyers in these small cubicles."
Looking through her portfolio, it was evident the camera loved this beautiful, young woman.
Modeling the latest styles of the time, Gunnie's flawless complexion and slim silhouette graced runways and the pages of print advertising.
Her experiences included a full ad spread for Macy's.
"Amateur photographers were always around," said Gunnie with a smile. "It was fun."
Among photos in the portfolio was a newspaper photograph of Gunnie as a child getting an autograph from Lucille Ball, who also was from Jamestown.
Gunnie married a Pratt student, had a child, and moved to California. She continued her modeling career in California.
By age 35, she was a single mother and living in Anaheim, Calif.
"This was even before Disneyland was built," Gunnie said. "Everything was just opening up."
She worked at Anaheim Memorial Hospital to pay the bills but still enjoyed modeling and performing.
Gunnie participated in follies or variety shows for the hospital to raise money.
She married Gene Severs and together they traveled throughout the country and world.
Gunnie continued modeling when she could. A photograph of her on her 65th birthday in Laguna Hills, Calif., was proof that the camera still loved her.
Gene died seven years ago. Gunnie moved to Marion six years ago to be closer to her family — including her daughter, Sandy Loveless of rural Marion.
One of Gunnie's most memorable photo shoots was when she modeled a dazzling blue Scandinavian gown.
The photo was taken in 1958 when Gunnie was 33 years old.
"It was blue," Gunnie recalled. "The dress was hand-beaded by Scandinavian women for royalty. It took three people to put the dress on me because it was so heavy.
"I was so honored to wear it," Gunnie said with a glint in her eye.
Gunnie said she feels fortunate to have experienced the kind of life she's lived.
"Not everyone has had the chance to do the things I have," said Gunnie. "I am so lucky to have enjoyed so much in my life."
