The mystery woman who graced the iconic cover of Duran Duran's "Rio" album has been unveiled, decades after the album's release. The band commissioned Playboy illustrator Patrick Nagel to create distinctive artwork that would become synonymous with their sound and style. Nagel's creation featured a stylized woman whose identity remained a secret, until now.
Experts in Nagel's work, Monica Moynihan and Mark Walker, have revealed that the woman who inspired the classic cover is none other than model Marcie Hunt. This revelation adds a new layer of appreciation for the artwork and the album, connecting the visual and musical artistry of the early '80s with a tangible figure. Hunt's contribution to the album's legacy is now recognized, linking her visage to the timeless appeal of Duran Duran's music.
The discovery was made possible through diligent research by Walker, who located the original source image used by Nagel. It was found within the pages of a 1981 issue of Vogue Paris, featuring Hunt adorned with glasses and a fedora, her expression culminating in the "cherry ice-cream smile" that would become a prominent feature on the "Rio" cover. For those interested in seeing the original inspiration for themselves, Moynihan's Instagram account offers a glimpse into the past, bridging the gap between the muse and the masterpiece.
[Source: Classic Hits Today]