Vera Gottlieb von Lehndorff — Biography
Born the second daughter into the esteemed Lehndorff-Steinort family, Vera Gottlieb von Lehndorff hailed from Prussian aristocratic circles, her parents Count Heinrich von Lehndorff-Steinort and Countess Gottliebe von Kalnein. Her father, a military reservist, rose to prominence as a central figure in Germany's resistance movement against the Nazi regime. Following his alleged involvement in the 20 July plot, he was executed on September 4, 1944. Meanwhile, his wife, who was expecting their fourth daughter when the plot unfolded, found herself imprisoned in a labor camp. Vera, along with her sisters, was separated from their mother and relocated to Bad Sachsa, sharing accommodations with the offspring of other individuals involved in the conspiracy.
Vera von Lehndorff-Steinort pursued her education in both Hamburg and Florence. Her life took a pivotal turn in 1959 when photographer Ugo Mulas recognized her potential, launching her career as a model. Despite her efforts in Paris and later in New York City, where she relocated in 1961, the modeling success she envisioned did not materialize. Subsequently, she returned to Munich. It was there that she began cultivating an air of intrigue, spreading the notion that she was Russian and adopting the moniker Veruschka to enhance this mystique.
Vera von Lehndorff-Steinort pursued her education in both Hamburg and Florence. Her life took a pivotal turn in 1959 when photographer Ugo Mulas recognized her potential, launching her career as a model. Despite her efforts in Paris and later in New York City, where she relocated in 1961, the modeling success she envisioned did not materialize. Subsequently, she returned to Munich. It was there that she began cultivating an air of intrigue, spreading the notion that she was Russian and adopting the moniker Veruschka to enhance this mystique.
