Mara Khodara
Mara Khodara | |
|---|---|
| Born | Marie Yvonne Louise Dannaud May 10, 1947 Boulogne-Billancourt, France |
| Other names |
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| Alma mater | University of Besançon |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1970s |
| Spouses |
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Mara Khodara (born Marie Yvonne Louise Dannaud; May 10, 1947), formerly known as Mara Ruspoli, is a French socialite, former fashion model, and actress. During the 1970s, she appeared in fashion editorials, advertising campaigns, and films, working with several prominent photographers associated with European fashion and culture.
Early life
Khodara was born Marie Yvonne Louise Dannaud on May 10, 1947, in Boulogne-Billancourt and was raised in Aubusson until age nine. During this time she attended art classes with Jean Lurçat. Her father, Jean-Pierre Dannaud, was a French diplomat who founded Le Mission Cultural Français in Morocco, during the reign of King Mohammed V.
Khodara graduated from the University of Besançon with a Diplôme d'études universitaires générales in philosophy in 1968.
Career
Modeling
Working professionally under the name Mara Ruspoli, Khodara pursued a modeling career throughout the 1970s. She appeared in advertising campaigns and editorial photography for European fashion houses and publications.[1]
In 1975, she appeared in an advertising campaign for Chanel No. 19 photographed by Antony Armstrong-Jones, Lord Snowdon.[2][3] Khodara was also photographed for Vogue for Fendi and Valentino.[4]
Khodara was also photographed by Elisabetta Catalano, whose work documented members of Italy's artistic, cultural, and aristocratic circles. During the same period, she appeared in fashion editorials photographed by Francesco Scavullo, including work published in Vogue. She was also photographed by Slim Aarons, whose photographs chronicled international high society and aristocratic life.[5][6]
Acting
Using the professional name Mara Danaud, Khodara appeared in film productions during the 1960s and 1970s. Her credited screen appearances include Piange... il telefono (1975)[7][8] and Corruzione al Palazzo di Giustizia (Corruption in the Hall of Justice or Ordinary Justice, 1966).[9][10]
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Director | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | Piange... il telefono | Colette Vincent | Lucio De Caro | Credited as Marie Yvonne Danaud[7] |
| 1975 | Corruzione al palazzo di giustizia | Flavia | Marcello Aliprandi | Credited as Mara Danaud; released internationally as Smiling Maniacs[9][10] |
Personal life
Khodara was first married to Sforza Ruspoli, a member of the historic House of Ruspoli. During her marriage, she was professionally and socially known as Mara Ruspoli.[4]
She later married New York real estate developer Jacques Khodara and adopted the surname Khodara.[11]
In a interview with the Natural Diamond Council, her daughter-in-law Claire Khodara describes Mara Khodara from an aristocratic French family and discusses the family's appreciation for heirloom jewelry. As of 2025, Khodara divides her time between France and New York.[4]
References
- ↑ "Princess Mara Ruspoli". Sandra and Gary Baden Collection of Celebrity Endorsements in Advertising (NMAH.AC.0611), Series 4: Society, Fashion, Royalty. Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Retrieved August 3, 2026.
- ↑ "Chanel No. 19 (advertisement, photographed by Snowdon)". Glamour. Condé Nast. September 1975. Dealer listing documenting the advertisement: "Print Ad 1975 Chanel No 19 feat Princess Mara Ruspoli". eCRATER. Retrieved August 3, 2026.
- ↑ "Princess Mara Ruspoli for Chanel No. 19 Perfume, 1975". Musings from Marilyn. October 12, 2018. Retrieved August 3, 2026.
- 1 2 3 Newman, Jill (December 19, 2025). "The Jewelry Collector's Series: Meet Claire Khodara". Only Natural Diamonds. Natural Diamond Council. Retrieved August 3, 2026.
- ↑ "The New Allure in Paris / The New Allure in Rome". Vogue. Condé Nast. March 1974. Issue index at "US Vogue March 1974: Pola by Francesco Scavullo". The Fashion Spot. Retrieved August 3, 2026.
- ↑ "Princess Ruspoli Photos and Premium High Res Pictures". Getty Images. Retrieved August 3, 2026.
- 1 2 "Piange... il telefono (1975)". Cinematografo (in Italian). Fondazione Ente dello Spettacolo. Retrieved August 3, 2026.
- ↑ "Piange... il telefono – Film (1975)". ComingSoon.it (in Italian). Retrieved August 3, 2026.
- 1 2 "Corruzione al Palazzo di Giustizia (1975)". British Film Institute. Retrieved August 3, 2026.
- 1 2 "Smiling Maniacs (1975)". FilmAffinity. Retrieved August 3, 2026.
- ↑ "Paid Notice: Deaths – Khodara, Jacques Elie". The New York Times. January 27, 2016. Retrieved August 3, 2026 – via Legacy.com.