Marla Landi was born in Turin, Italy, as Marcella Teresa Scarafia, daughter of engineer Marcello Cesare Scarafia. She made her reputation as a top photographic model for celebrated fashion designers Stefania Simonetti, Emilio Pucci, John Cavanagh and Norman Hartnell. Princess Margaret rated her highly. From the late 50s, Landi appeared on the cover of leading fashion magazines like Vogue and Harper's Bazaar.