The Original NoMad “It Girl”

Before Zendaya, Kim Kardashian, and Kate Moss — even before Marilyn Monroe, Jean Harlow, and Clara Bow — there was Evelyn Nesbit, the original “It Girl.” She epitomized an early 20th-century blend of beauty, charm, and scandal that captivated the public’s imagination. Nesbit’s life was a mélange of fame, glamour, and controversy, making her a lasting symbol of her era and beyond.

Evelyn Nesbit’s rise to fame

Born in 1884, Nesbit began her journey to stardom in Philadelphia, where she modeled for local artists. Her father, an attorney, died when she was ten, leaving the family without means. In 1990, her mother moved to New York City, seeking better opportunities. She sent for Nesbit and her younger brother five months later. Nesbit’s striking beauty quickly caught the eye of artists and photographers leading to appearances on the covers of popular magazines like Cosmopolitan, Vanity Fair, and Harper’s Bazaar. As a model, her image was ubiquitous, gracing everything from fashion advertisements to souvenir items.

Her face defined an era and her ethereal look and preternatural poise made her one of the most sought-after models, bringung the concept of the modern supermodel into the public eye. Her likeness was immortalized by renowned artists such as Charles Dana Gibson, who styled her as the quintessential “Gibson Girl,” a symbol of feminine beauty and independence.

The girl in the red velvet swing

Nesbit’s allure extended beyond modeling. She ventured into the world of theater, joining the chorus line, and eventually becoming a featured performer on Broadway. Her performances brought her into contact with New York’s elite, including the influential architect, Stanford White.

White, 32 years her senior, became infatuated and they began an affair. Their relationship was both glamorous and tragic. White often entertained Nesbit in his lavishly decorated apartment on West 24th Street, where he had installed a red velvet swing. White would push her, unclothed, until her feet touched the decorations he hung from his ceiling.

This swing came to represent both the opulence and the darker undercurrents of their affair. In later years, Nesbit described how White would push her on the swing, creating a surreal memory that intertwined with her rise to fame and the controversies that followed.

Romance and intrigue: A salacious love triangle

The relationship between Evelyn Nesbit, Stanford White, and Harry Kendall Thaw, heir to a coal and railroad baron, developed into one of the most infamous love triangles of the era. White, a charismatic and influential man, had a deep impact on Nesbit’s life, but it was her marriage in 1905 at the age of 20 to Thaw that brought the most turmoil.

Thaw, a wealthy but emotionally unstable man, was obsessively possessive and harbored a deep-seated jealousy toward White. His jealousy culminated in a public confrontation on the night of June 25, 1906 at the rooftop theatre of Madison Square Garden — a building designed by White — then located at 26th Street and Madison Avenue.

All three attended the premier of the musical revue, “Mam’zelle Champagne.” During the finale, Thaw approached White’s usual table. At close range, he shot White three times and killed him, claiming he did it to avenge Nesbit’s honor. This dramatic event was witnessed by hundreds and became front-page news, leading to what the media dubbed “The Trial of the Century.”

The trial of the century

The trial following Stanford White’s murder captivated the nation. To manage the extraordinary level of public attention surrounding the case, the jurors were sequestered — the first instance in American history where such measures were implemented to ensure a fair trial.

Nesbit’s testimony revealed tawdry details of her relationship with White, including allegations of her affair with him, which began when she was 14. She recounted how White had gotten her intoxicated and took her virginity while she was unconscious. Her shocking narrative gripped the public.

Thaw’s defense centered around his claim of temporary insanity, a strategy that eventually led to his acquittal. He was committed to an asylum rather than a prison, sparking debates around justice, privilege, and morality. The trial’s sensational coverage cemented Nesbit’s status as a tragic celebrity, entangled in a story of wealth, power, and passion.

Evelyn Nesbit’s enduring legacy in NoMad today the Evelyn Hotel

Evelyn Nesbit’s legacy continues to be celebrated in New York City’s NoMad neighborhood, where much of her life’s drama unfolded. The Evelyn Hotel on 27th Street, east of Fifth Avenue and named in her honor, features pictures of Evelyn in every room, offering guests a glimpse into her storied past.

The gilded lady

In 2019, the Kaufman Organization unveiled “The Gilded Lady,” a bold 97 by 40-foot mural on the side of 236 Fifth Avenue facing 27th Street. Created by renowned artist Tristan Eaton, this mural pays homage to Nesbit, as well as to the rich history of NoMad. Dominating the mural is Evelyn’s face, surrounded by images and symbols of the Gilded Age, including references to Stanford White (at the upper right of the mural, look for the “Sculpture of Diana,” a weathervane commissioned by White for the top of the old Madison Square Garden) and the notorious Tenderloin District which overlaps with what is known today as NoMad.

Nesbit’s face, with its timeless beauty, looks out from the mural, reminding passersby of her impact on American culture. Her story of glamour and tragedy continues to fascinate and serves as a testament to the complex lives of those who become cultural icons. It continues to be retold in movies like “The Girl in the Red Velvet Swing” starring Joan Collins, and the novel, Oscar-nominated movie, and Tony award-winning musical “Ragtime.”

Nesbit’s life remains a captivating chapter in the history of New York City and the world of fame. Her enduring presence in NoMad today, through both the Evelyn Hotel and “The Gilded Lady” mural, ensures that her memory continues to intrigue and inspire future generations.

For a closer look at Evelyn Nesbit’s enduring legacy, visit the mural at 236 Fifth Avenue facing 27th Street and the Evelyn Hotel at 7 East 27th Street in NoMad.