Susan Hess

Nefertiti · January 6, 2010

Beginning at the age of 17, the classically-trained ballerina spent a year performing with the San Francisco Ballet under Artistic Director Michael Smuin. Then, in 1978, the lanky teen began a seven-year stint that would make her one of Europe’s most successful fashion models. She would ultimately grace over a dozen major magazine covers – including Italian, English, and German versions of Vogue, Marie Claire, and Elle; glide down the runways in Paris, Milan and New York for such designers as Valentino, Oscar de la Renta, and Gianni Versace; star in countless fashion spreads; and appear as the face of Karl Lagerfeld perfume, among other exclusive brands.
In 1984, Logeais scaled back her modeling to pursue her passion: acting. During the years that followed, she co-starred in four network television movies, a Sidney Sheldon mini-series for CBS, a two-hour season opener for Miami Vice, Knightwatch, Spencer: For Hire, Christine Cromwell.

Logeais grew up just outside Seattle, the daughter of a Washington State Legislator and a public school nurse. She began studying dance at the age of seven. By the time she was 15, Logeais was practicing up to four hours a day, five days a week. At the age of 16, she was awarded a Ford Foundation Scholarship and the honor of participating in the School of American Ballet’s summer program. It was after an exhilarating, but grueling season with the San Francisco Ballet that included 28 “Nutcrackers,” two intensive tours, and some serious physical injuries, Logeais called a halt to her dance career.

Not sure what to do next, Logeais headed back to Seattle, and began modeling for Nordstrom’s. There, she tested with a Seattle photographer, who sent her pictures to the Wilhelmina agency in New York. They invited her to fly back for an interview, signed her on the spot, and Logeais had her first assignment two days later – as a runway model doing as many as ten shows a day during show season.

Finally, after years of being in front of audiences and the camera, Logeais decided to step behind the lens, and began learning the craft of screenplay writing. At the same time, she formed her own production company, Two Chicks with Cameras, and co-directed and produced a series of short films.

Then, in 1992, Logeais moved to France, where she met her husband, Olivier. She had her first child at the age of 38, and second at 40. In 1998, they moved to Southern Oregon, then relocated in Portland in 2003.

Vogue Girl · January 11, 2018

US Vogue September 1982

The Look-Makers - The Best Real-Life Day Dressing
Photographer: Arthur Elgort
Models: Kim Alexis, Andie MacDowell, Susan Hess, Leslie Winer, Nancy Donahue, Anette Stai, Paulina Porizkova, Terri May & Lisa Brandt
Hair: Simon Marsden
Makeup: Paul Gobel