Penelope Tree: My journey from 1960s icon to finding peace on my own terms

Vogue star-turned-Buddhist Penelope Tree’s life of contrasts informs her novel, says Deirdre McArdle

Penelope Tree: “I lost my career, my dreams, and my relationship. Instead of aligning, it was like my stars went completely berserk.”

In 1966, Penelope Tree became the face of a generation. She was 17 and had been spotted at Truman Capote’s infamous Black and White Ball in New York by photographers Cecil Beaton and Richard Avedon.

With her round, wide eyes, deep fringe, and her stylised face, Tree had a distinctive look. During the latter half of the swinging 60s, she was the IT girl. In demand and everywhere.