Her only fault was to be perfect – so said Truman Capote novelist, playwright, screenwriter, (think ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’).

Babe Paley Photographed by Erwin Blumenfeld Vogue 1947

Babe Paley wearing Paquin for Vogue 1946 Photograph by John Rawlings

Barbara Cushing Mortimer Paley (July 5, 1915 – July 6, 1978) – better known as Babe Paley was no ordinary woman. Maintaining a quality and style that became impossible to ignore, she reigned for three decades at the pinnacle of New York society.

Babe Paley wearing Norman Norell Photographed by Horst for American Vogue March 1946

Babe Paley had an obsession with perfection that ensured her immaculate grooming coupled with her beauty gave her a distinction that transcended whatever she was wearing. It could never be said that the clothes wore Babe – she dominated the clothes.

Babe Paley British Vogue 1946 Photograph by Clifford Coffin

At first glance, the evidence is there. Detached and poised, here is a woman who is totally confident in her style.

Babe Paley at home in Home Sound, Florida. Photograph Pinterest

In 1940 Babe married Stanley Mortimer at a time when she was a fashion editor at Vogue. They later divorced and in 1947 Babe married the phenomenally rich, CBS founder, Bill Paley. Babe set about creating a perfect social world for Bill that included a stellar grouping of the rich and famous. Their apartment at The St Regis designed by Billy Baldwin,  became the heart of their lavish entertaining.

Babe and William Paley in New York

Babe set the standard for elegance and styling, appearing on the best-dressed list fourteen times and inducted into the Fashion Hall of Fame in 1958.

Babe Paley photographed in her St Regis apartment wearing Givenchy Photograph: Tony Palmieri

Babe’s innate style went beyond her personal elegance and extended to entertaining.  She cultivated and maintained a perfect social world drawing high society and powerful business identities into her orbit.  Elegance and luxury had no limit.

Babe Paley photographed in her St Regis apartment wearing Givenchy Photograph: Tony Palmier

“Neatness – which is grooming, after all – is definitely the most important requirement.”  Babe Paley

Never one to dress with ostentation or obvious  extravagance her style was best described by Oscar de La Renta “Whatever she wore, she wore in a way you would never forget.”

Babe Paley photographed for Vogue 1946

The same could be said of Babe’s flawless image and inherent class.  After a four year battle with lung cancer, she passed away in 1978 at the age of 63.