Dayle Haddon, renowned as the only model to secure four major cosmetics contracts, passed away on Friday at the age of 76.
Haddon’s death and the hospitalization of another unidentified 76-year-old individual were linked to a carbon monoxide leak in Buck’s County, Pennsylvania.
The property where the victims were discovered is reportedly owned by Haddon’s daughter, journalist Ryan Haddon, and her husband, actor Marc Blucas.
Officials from the Solebury, Pennsylvania, police department did not immediately respond to media inquiries on Saturday morning. Similarly, representatives from the Bucks County coroner’s office were unavailable for comment as they were attending to other police calls.
Haddon’s daughter paid tribute to her mother through an Instagram post, describing her as someone who uplifted others and celebrated their hidden potential. “She was everyone’s greatest champion. An inspiration to many,” she wrote.
Known for her belief that beauty lies in how one treats others, Haddon enjoyed a long association with L’Oréal, combining her modeling career with philanthropic endeavors. In later years, she became widely recognized as a model-turned-activist, dedicating much of her time to her role as a UNICEF ambassador and her education-focused nonprofit, WomenOne.
Haddon frequently consulted with G7 officials on gender equality and spoke passionately about evolving beauty standards.
Reflecting on her career in a 2017 interview, she noted how her unique appearance—a petite, dark-haired Canadian with freckles—stood out in an era dominated by tall, blonde models. She expressed gratitude for her late-blooming success, which made her appreciate her achievements even more.
A pivotal figure in her career was fashion photographer Guy Bourdin, whom she credited for much of her success. Other celebrated collaborators included Sarah Moon, Helmut Newton, Cecil Beaton, and Jacques Henri Lartigue. Haddon viewed modeling as a rich and artistic profession, emphasizing the collaborative creativity involved.
Earlier this month, Haddon attended the Ann Taylor store opening in New York City’s Flatiron district with her daughter.
She reminisced about a past campaign for the brand, shot by Annie Leibovitz, bringing a photo from the shoot to share with Ann Taylor executives. Known for her minimalist style and warm demeanor, Haddon embodied the spirit of a seasoned professional who continued to inspire those around her.
One of Haddon’s favorite memories was a 1976 photoshoot with Lord Snowdon, which captured her dining with European designers in settings of their choosing. She recounted the varied experiences with humor and insight, revealing the unique personalities and quirks of fashion icons like Yves Saint Laurent, Emanuel Ungaro, and Pierre Cardin.
With her background in dance, Haddon carried herself with poise and elegance. She admired contemporary models like Karlie Kloss, Gigi Hadid, and Christy Turlington for their understanding of modeling as both art and business. She often spoke about the importance of extending one’s career beyond fleeting moments of fame and embracing new opportunities.
Haddon’s definition of beauty evolved over time, focusing on character, kindness, and generosity rather than physical appearance.
“Real beauty is about how you treat people and the positive impact you make,” she explained in 2017. She encouraged others to embrace the new gifts that come with age instead of clinging to the past.
Her nonprofit, WomenOne, emerged after a visit to an Angolan health clinic, where she witnessed women traveling great distances for care. Through this organization, Haddon championed microdonations to support women’s education and healthcare in underserved areas, particularly in Africa and South America. Her work earned her the 2017 United Nations Women for Peace Association Award.
That same year, Haddon collaborated with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other leaders to promote gender equality on the International Day of the Girl.
She emphasized the role of the fashion and beauty industries in supporting women’s causes, urging companies to focus on more than just selling products. Her advocacy extended to her book, The Five Principles of Ageless Living: A Woman’s Guide to Lifelong Health, Beauty, and Well-being.
While Haddon’s daughter has been identified as her survivor, the names of other family members have not yet been disclosed.
