HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

At 30, Model Hilary Rhoda Defines Being an All-American Beauty


With bright blue eyes, glossy chestnut hair, and a seemingly perpetual tan, it’s no surprise that Hilary Rhoda quickly became the face of All-American beauty since emerging on the modeling scene in 2005. Just two years after snagging an ever-coveted exclusive runway stint with Riccardo Tisci at a Givenchy show, Rhoda was named as an Estée Lauder contract model, cementing her status as a true supermodel. Since then, the model has appeared in campaigns for Max Mara, Balenciaga, Valentino, Belstaff, Givenchy, Gucci, and Ralph Lauren, as well as appearing on countless runways and magazine covers. Rhoda, a Maryland native, quickly immersed herself in the fashion social scene, as well, becoming a staple at top New York galas and soirees from the CFDA Awards to the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s annual Costume Institute gala. Here, in honor of her 30th birthday, a look back at some of her best party fashion moments.

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Rhoda wore a slinky Gucci gown to the Neue Gallerie New York Winter Gala hosted by the brand. 2006.

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At a party at the Whitney Museum, Rhoda shows off her tan in a semi-sheer purple printed dress.

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Rhoda attends the Cartier 100th Anniversary in America Celebration at Cartier Fifth Avenue Mansion in a slinky gold dress. 2009.

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Having a matching moment in short, pink floral dress with Coco Rocha at a New York soiree.

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Rhoda attends the 2009 CFDA Fashion Awards in a ruffled, rose-hued mini.

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Rhoda wore a floor-length white gown with black floral appliques to the 69th Annual American Ballet Theatre Spring Gala

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At the 7th Annual New Yorkers for Children Spring Dinner Dance, Rhoda took a walk on the wild side in snakeskin.

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The model wore Prabal Gurung at the 2010 Costume Institute Gala Benefit to celebrate the opening of the American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity.

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Rhoda opts for a mermaid silhouette at the New York City Opera Spring Gala in 2011.

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Hilary Rhoda attends the 2010 CFDA Fashion Awards at Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center wearing a pale gold dress.

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Two years later, the model went for a much more vibrant look in an electric blue Rebecca Minkoff gown.

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At the 2011 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue launch party, Rhoda kept it mini in a bright purple dress.

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Rhoda covered up in a navy blue gown at Bergdorf Goodman’s 111th anniversary celebration at the Plaza Hotel. 2012.

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Rhoda glammed up in a strapless, blood red gown at a private dinner hosted by Harry Winston. 2012.

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The model made the case for the formal toga at the launch of Estee Lauder’s “Modern Muse” fragrance. 2013.

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At a dinner for Michael Kors, Rhoda stunned in a green and black striped look by the designer. 2013.

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A black and white moment at the 2013 CFDA Fashion Awards.

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After walking the runway in her underwear, Rhoda attended the after party for the 2013 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show at TAO Downtown.

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Rhoda made leopard print acceptable black-tie glamour at the 2014 Whitney Gala presented by Louis Vuitton at The Breuer Building.

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Showing off her appreciation for musical theater in black and red at the 2015 Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall.

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Adhering to a theme– in this case, the Tiffany Debut of the 2014 Blue Book, in a blue sweater and matching sheer skirt.

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Rhoda was classic in white Chanel at the house’s annual Tribeca Film Festival Artist dinner.

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A plunging and feathered moment while attending a New York Fashion Week event at the Plaza Hotel. 2015.

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Rhoda opted for a bright dose of orange while attending the 2014 CFDA Awards.

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Rhoda channeled her inner hippie in floaty lace at the 2016 Gordon Parks Foundation Awards Dinner.

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A truly golden moment, wearing Monique Lhuillier, as Rhoda matches her gown to some intricate hair jewelry. 2016.

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At the 19th Annual amfAR New York Gala, Rhoda opted for a severe, glam black gown with a velvet halter top. 2017.