Duran Duran fans are ecstatic after the discovery of the model who graced the cover of the band’s iconic 1982 album “Rio.” The young model, Marcie Hunt, was the inspiration for the illustration created by artist Patrick Nagel. Nagel’s unique style, influenced by Pop Art and fashion illustration, perfectly captured the essence of the 1980s, much like Duran Duran’s music.
For years, fans have speculated about the identity of the mysterious woman on the Rio cover, described in the song as having a “cherry ice cream smile.” Thanks to the dedication of Nagel expert Mark Walker, the model was finally identified through a vintage fashion magazine spread. It turns out that Marcie Hunt now runs Dos Lagos Vineyards in Napa with her husband Tom Dinkel.
The discovery has brought a new level of excitement to Duran Duran fans, who now have a personal connection to the iconic album cover. Hunt, who had no idea about her role in music history, shared the story on her Instagram, revealing that the band’s song “Rio” was played at their wedding almost 31 years ago.
It’s a heartwarming coincidence that the model behind one of the most recognizable album covers of the 1980s is now a successful winery owner in the Bay Area. The news has sparked interest among fans, who may now consider visiting Dos Lagos Vineyards in hopes of catching a glimpse of the real-life “Rio.”
With the band’s recent performance at BottleRock, there’s a possibility that Duran Duran may return to the Bay Area in the future. If they do, it’s likely that fans will flock to Dos Lagos Vineyards to meet the woman who inspired one of their favorite album covers. The connection between music, art, and real life has never been more tangible, thanks to the discovery of Marcie Hunt as the face of “Rio.”