Polly Allen Mellen

LAKEVILLE — Polly Allen Mellen, of Lakeville, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on Dec. 11, 2024, at the age of 100, with family by her side.

Polly was born June 18, 1924, in West Hartford, daughter of the late Walter and Leslie Allen.

Her childhood was a treasure to her, marked by loving parents, close-knit siblings, and an active social life. The family frequented Fishers Island, New York, and the Mill Reef Club in Antigua, where her parents had homes. She attended Miss Porter’s School in New England and then moved to New York City.

Following a brief tenure as a salesgirl and display designer at Lord & Taylor, she progressed into editorial. Polly began her illustrious career as a protégée of one of the most famous matriarchs of American fashion, Diana Vreeland. Under Vreeland’s tutelage, she evolved into an editor at Harper’s Bazaar, and later, a leader at American Vogue. She was famous for her avant-garde, out-of-the-box approach, and her animated facial expressions and gregarious manner. In particular, she was known for her clapping, which became a sought-after benchmark of success for designers during her time at Vogue. Polly is known to have cried at fashion shows when moved. She was larger than life and immersed in her experiences completely.

For more than 40 years, Polly was a beacon in the design world, and, from 1991 to 1999, served as creative director of Allure. She was a force of nature—articulate, vibrant, exuberant, and highly regarded as an iconic American stylist and fashion editor. Polly’s joie de vivre, passion for details, and nuanced aesthetic infused her career.

Polly’s cutting-edge style and formidable presence profoundly influenced the careers of many designers, editors, and photographers in the creative fashion world, which eventually elevated her to legendary status. She worked intimately with photographers, including her dear, lifelong friend, Richard Avedon, with whom she styled many timeless images, including photographs of Sophia Loren, Rudolf Nureyev, and an iconic shot of Nastassja Kinski, naked, famously swathed in nothing but a boa constrictor. Polly worked with many other reputed photographers, including Arthur Elgort, Steven Meisel, Helmut Newton, Irving Penn, and Bruce Weber. She worked closely with all the great designers and fashion models of her time. When she retired in 1994, Polly received a lifetime achievement award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America and remained a consultant on various projects.

When not working, Polly was an avid reader and gardener and enjoyed being outdoors, particularly by the sea. She cherished her friendships and family and was an adept athlete, skiing downhill and playing golf well into her 90’s.

Polly was the loving wife of the late Henry Wigglesworth Mellen, and savored her family, including her dear grandchildren. She is survived by her daughter, Leslie Bell, her son Louis Baker Bell, Jr.; stepson Henry Mellen, stepdaughter Lucinda Mellen; and grandchildren, Hope Bell, Molly Bell, Palmer Johnson, Dylan Chase, and Clark Mellen, along with many adoring nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother Walter Allen Jr., and sisters Nancy Belknap, Patty Wall, and Leslie Tapscott.
A memorial for immediate family will be held in 2025, with announcements to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to offer donations to the Little Guild of St. Francis, Cornwall, CT.

The Kenny Funeral Home has care of arrangements.