In a revelation that has thrilled fans and art enthusiasts alike, the model featured on the cover of Duran Duran’s iconic 1982 album “Rio” has finally been identified. The woman behind the famous illustration is Marcie Hunt, now known as Marcie Dinkel.
The cover, painted by renowned artist Patrick Nagel and designed by Malcolm Garrett, has been a subject of intrigue for over four decades. The artwork, which mimics the style of 1950s cigar packaging, became one of the most recognizable images in music history. Despite its fame, the identity of the model remained a mystery until now.
The breakthrough came from an Instagram fan account, @nagel_angel, which dedicated extensive time and effort to uncovering the original reference photo used by Nagel. Their research led them to a 1981 issue of Vogue Paris, where the photo of Hunt was featured. Barry Hahn, Nagel’s technical art assistant, confirmed that this photo was indeed the inspiration for the “Rio” cover.
The news was shared by Nagel historian and art broker Monica Moynihan on social media. Hunt herself expressed her surprise and excitement in a comment on Duran Duran’s repost of the discovery. “This is so cool! I absolutely did not know until now that this photo of me was used for the Rio cover. Very exciting! Love Duran Duran, and danced to their music often in the ’80s… and later at my wedding,” she wrote.
Patrick Nagel, who passed away two years after creating the illustration, left a lasting legacy with his distinctive art style. His work, characterized by bold lines and striking contrasts, has continued to captivate audiences long after his death.
Duran Duran, formed in Birmingham in 1978, rose to international stardom with their sophomore album “Rio.” The album, featuring hits like “Hungry Like the Wolf,” “Save a Prayer,” and the title track “Rio,” became a defining moment in the band’s career. The vibrant and sophisticated sound, combined with striking music videos, captured the essence of the MTV era.
The band’s social media accounts were abuzz with the news of the model’s identification. Fans expressed their excitement and nostalgia, with many reminiscing about the impact of the album and its cover art. Comments ranged from “Still have the poster framed!” to “Wow, so surprised! She is the muse of Rio.”
Marcie Hunt, now Marcie Dinkel, also took to her personal Instagram account to share her joy at the discovery. “Hi all, the reason I haven’t posted here is that I spent many years posting on #doslagos on Instagram. Our wine company is Dos Lagos Vineyards. Thanks everyone for the big reveal! It’s so exciting to know that I am also Rio on the cover of Duran Duran. One of my all-time favorite groups,” she wrote.
Duran Duran’s journey has seen them release 16 albums and sell over 100 million records worldwide. The band, which has undergone several lineup changes, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. Their most famous lineup, featuring lead singer Simon Le Bon and guitarist Andy Taylor, solidified their place in music history.
The identification of Marcie Hunt as the model for the “Rio” cover adds a new chapter to the band’s storied history. It also highlights the enduring appeal of the album and its artwork, which continues to resonate with fans old and new.
As the news spreads, it serves as a reminder of the power of music and art to create lasting connections and memories. For Duran Duran and their fans, the discovery of the “Rio” cover model is a moment of celebration and nostalgia, bringing a sense of closure to a decades-long mystery.
