Paula Feiten was an American fashion model who worked during the 1960s era. She built her career with Ford Models and appeared in top magazines. Paula Feiten became widely known as the mother of photographer Jordan Matter.
Her life touched both the fashion world and the fine arts community deeply. She married into the legendary Matter family in New York. Paula Feiten left behind a rich creative legacy that lives on today.
In 2026, her story continues to inspire fans through her family’s digital platforms. Her grandchildren Hudson and Salish Matter carry her artistic spirit forward. Paula Feiten remains a celebrated figure in American cultural history.
Who Is Paula Feiten?
Paula Feiten was a successful American model and actress from New York. She signed with Ford Models and worked throughout the mid-1960s. Her classic all-American look made her a popular face in print media.
She appeared in major youth fashion magazines like Seventeen and Mademoiselle regularly. Paula Feiten also had a small acting role in the 1966 film The Drifter. Her career was short but left a meaningful mark on those around her.
Beyond modeling, Paula Feiten is best remembered as Jordan Matter’s mother today. Jordan Matter is a globally famous photographer and YouTube personality. Her influence on his visual arts career has been widely acknowledged by him publicly.
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Paula Feiten Biography
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Paula Feiten (later Paula Matter) |
| Date of Birth | October 26, 1943 |
| Place of Birth | Centerport, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White American |
| Date of Death | June 2011 |
| Age at Death | 67 years old |
| Profession | Fashion Model, Actress |
| Modeling Agency | Ford Models, New York |
| Magazines Featured | Seventeen, Mademoiselle |
| Brand Campaigns | Lady Wrangler, Pandora, Klopman Fabrics |
| Film Credit | The Drifter (1966) — Role: Waitress |
| Husband | Alexander (Alex) Matter |
| Marriage Year | 1966, Manhattan, New York |
| Son | Jordan Matter |
| Father | Howard Roy Feiten Sr. |
| Mother | Pauline Feiten |
| Brother | Buzz Feiten (Woodstock guitarist) |
| Father-in-Law | Herbert Matter (Graphic Designer) |
| Mother-in-Law | Mercedes Matter (Modernist Painter) |
| Grandchildren | Hudson Matter, Salish Matter |
Paula Feiten Age
Paula Feiten was born on October 26, 1943, in Centerport, New York. She lived a full life spanning nearly seven decades before passing. Paula Feiten passed away in June 2011 at the age of 67.
She was 22 years old when she married Alex Matter back in 1966. Jordan Matter, her only son, was also born that same year. If Paula Feiten were alive in 2026, she would have been 82 years old.
Paula Feiten Age & Key Timeline
| Life Event | Year | Age |
| Date of Birth | October 26, 1943 | — |
| Started Modeling Career | Early 1960s | ~18–19 |
| Marriage to Alex Matter | 1966 | 22 |
| Birth of Son Jordan Matter | October 6, 1966 | 22 |
| Appeared in The Drifter | 1966 | 22 |
| Date of Death | June 2011 | 67 |
| Age If Alive in 2026 | — | 82 |
Paula Feiten Height And Weight
Paula Feiten modeled professionally under Ford Models during the 1960s peak era. Her exact height and weight were never officially published or confirmed publicly. However, Ford Models at that time required very specific physical standards from all talent.
Based on typical 1960s agency requirements, Paula likely met standard model measurements. Her build was described as slender and proportionate for commercial print work. Paula Feiten’s classic physical appearance suited the all-American style campaigns she fronted.
Paula Feiten Height and Weight Overview
| Category | Details |
| Exact Height | Not officially confirmed |
| Estimated Height Range | 5’7″ – 5’9″ (170–175 cm) |
| Exact Weight | Not publicly documented |
| Estimated Weight Range | 110–125 lbs (50–56 kg) |
| Agency Standard Era | 1960s Ford Models Requirements |
| Son Jordan Matter’s Height | Approx. 5’8″ (173 cm) |
| Granddaughter Salish Matter | Approx. 5’5″ (165 cm) as of 2026 |
| Grandson Hudson Matter | Approx. 5’9″ (176 cm) |
Paula Feiten Physical Stats
Paula Feiten was known for her naturally elegant and polished appearance throughout her modeling years. She had blonde hair and striking blue eyes that photographed beautifully in print. Her overall look fit perfectly within the commercial fashion world of the 1960s.
Her physical presentation was a major reason top brands like Lady Wrangler chose her. Paula Feiten carried herself with a poise that translated well across editorial and advertising shoots. Her appearance became one of the defining visuals of mid-century American fashion culture.
Paula Feiten Physical Stats Table
| Feature | Details |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Body Type | Slender and proportionate |
| Skin Tone | Fair |
| Physical Style | Classic mid-century all-American look |
| Known For | High-fashion poise and camera presence |
| Agency | Ford Models, New York City |
| Era Active | Mid-1960s |
Paula Feiten Early Life
Paula Feiten grew up in Centerport, New York, on Long Island’s peaceful North Shore. She was raised by her father, Howard Roy Feiten Sr., a professional airline pilot. Her mother, Pauline Feiten, was a talented classical pianist who filled the home with music.
Growing up in such a creatively rich household shaped Paula’s artistic sensibilities deeply. She also learned to play the flute as a personal creative outlet during her childhood years. Her younger brother Buzz Feiten went on to become a renowned guitarist who performed at Woodstock in 1969.
Paula Feiten developed confidence and artistic awareness from a very young age. The combination of her mother’s musical discipline and her home environment pushed her toward creative fields. This strong foundation eventually guided her toward New York City and a modeling career.
Paula Feiten Education
Paula Feiten completed her early schooling at local public schools in Centerport, New York. No university or college records have ever been confirmed or released publicly. Her path into professional modeling began in her late teen years in Manhattan.
Her real professional education came directly through her work with Ford Models agency. She learned the technical demands of runway, print, and commercial photography on the job. Paula Feiten’s practical industry training shaped her far more than any formal academic setting could have.
Paula Feiten Education Details
| Category | Details |
| Hometown School | Local public schools, Centerport, New York |
| Higher Education | No confirmed college or university records |
| Professional Training | Ford Models Agency, New York City |
| Learned Skills | Runway, editorial print, commercial posing |
| Career Start Age | Late teens (approximately 18–19) |
| Primary Education Focus | Arts and creative expression at home |
Paula Feiten Family
Paula Feiten came from a musically gifted and deeply artistic family background in New York. Her father was a pilot, and her mother was a trained classical pianist who inspired creativity. Her brother Buzz Feiten became one of America’s most recognized session guitarists and Woodstock performers.
When Paula Feiten married Alex Matter in 1966, she joined an equally legendary artistic dynasty. Alex’s father, Herbert Matter, was a pioneering Swiss-American graphic designer and photographer. His mother, Mercedes Matter, was a respected modernist painter and founder of the New York Studio School.
Together, Paula and Alex had one son, Jordan Matter, born in October 1966. Jordan grew up surrounded by visual art, photography, and film on both sides of his family. Today, Jordan’s children Hudson and Salish Matter continue the creative tradition Paula helped build.
Paula Feiten Husband
Paula Feiten married Alexander Matter, known as Alex Matter, in Manhattan, New York, in 1966. Alex worked as an independent film director, producer, and real estate developer throughout his career. He came from an iconic American artistic family with deep roots in visual arts and design.
Alex Matter is perhaps best known for directing the 1966 independent drama film The Drifter. Paula Feiten herself appeared in that film in a supporting waitress role alongside her husband. Their marriage brought together two creatively rich family backgrounds into one household.
Alex’s parents were Herbert Matter and Mercedes Matter, two towering figures in 20th-century American art. Growing up around such talent gave Alex a deep appreciation for visual storytelling. Paula Feiten embraced this artistic world fully and became a natural part of its legacy.
Paula Feiten Son
Paula Feiten’s only son is Jordan Matter, born on October 6, 1966, in New York City. Jordan grew up surrounded by photography, painting, and filmmaking from both sides of his family. He went on to become one of America’s most recognized photographers and digital content creators.
Jordan Matter is a New York Times bestselling author known for books like Dancers Among Us. His YouTube channel has grown to over 32 million subscribers as of 2026. Paula Feiten’s modeling background and camera awareness deeply influenced his artistic development.
Jordan has spoken publicly about how his mother’s poise and presence shaped his photography style. He regularly shares archival photos of Paula Feiten’s 1960s modeling work on his platforms. Her memory lives on through every photo he takes and every story he tells.
Paula Feiten Jordan Matter
Jordan Matter has always spoken warmly about his mother, Paula Feiten, and her lasting influence. He credits her modeling experience as a key part of his early understanding of visual composition. Paula Feiten’s natural presence in front of the camera left a deep impression on her son.
Jordan frequently features throwback images from Paula Feiten’s Ford Models portfolio on his social media. His millions of global followers have come to know and appreciate her story through his tributes. The connection between Paula Feiten and Jordan Matter remains a touching part of his public story.
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Paula Feiten Career
Paula Feiten built her career as a fashion model during the vibrant and fast-moving 1960s. She was signed by Ford Models, one of the most prestigious agencies in New York City. Her editorial and advertising work brought her face to millions of American readers regularly.
Paula Feiten also stepped in front of the camera for her husband’s 1966 film The Drifter. Her acting role as a waitress was her only confirmed screen credit during her career. Despite a relatively brief time in the spotlight, her professional impact remained strong.
Paula Feiten Career Highlights
- Signed with Ford Models in New York City during her late teenage years
- Appeared regularly in Seventeen and Mademoiselle magazines throughout the mid-1960s
- Fronted national print campaigns for Lady Wrangler, Pandora, and Klopman Fabrics
- Portrayed a waitress in the 1966 independent drama film The Drifter
- Worked during the golden era of print fashion modeling in America
- Her modeling knowledge directly influenced Jordan Matter’s photography career
Paula Feiten Model
Paula Feiten joined Ford Models during her late teens and quickly became a recognizable face in print advertising. She regularly appeared in top youth publications like Seventeen and Mademoiselle throughout the mid-1960s. Her clean and polished look made her ideal for national brand campaigns of that era.
Paula Feiten modeled for well-known brands including Lady Wrangler, Pandora Knitwear, and Klopman Fabrics. These were major commercial names in the American textile and fashion industries at the time. Her work helped define the visual aesthetic of everyday American fashion in the 1960s.
Paula Feiten Modeling Career Table
| Category | Details |
| Agency | Ford Models, New York City |
| Active Modeling Years | Mid-1960s (approx. 1962–1968) |
| Magazine Features | Seventeen, Mademoiselle |
| Brand: Lady Wrangler | National print ad campaigns for women’s denim |
| Brand: Pandora Knitwear | Commercial apparel and knitwear layouts |
| Brand: Klopman Fabrics | Textile industry marketing campaigns |
| Style | Classic all-American blonde, blue-eyed look |
| Influence | Inspired Jordan Matter’s photography techniques |
Paula Feiten Net Worth
Paula Feiten’s personal net worth was never officially disclosed during her lifetime or after her passing. She had a successful modeling career with Ford Models and later married into a well-established artistic family. Her individual financial records have always remained completely private.
The broader Matter family, however, has accumulated significant wealth through art, media, and photography. Her son Jordan Matter alone has an estimated net worth between 10 and 15 million dollars in 2026. Paula Feiten’s legacy is very much tied to this thriving creative and financial family empire.
Paula Feiten Family Wealth Overview
- Jordan Matter’s estimated net worth in 2026 is between $10 million and $15 million
- Salish Matter’s estimated net worth ranges from $1 million to $3 million in 2026
- Salish won the 2025 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Award, boosting her brand value significantly
- The Matter artistic estate holds multi-million dollar value through fine art and real estate
- Herbert Matter’s and Mercedes Matter’s collections carry strong institutional and auction value
- Paula Feiten’s personal wealth was never confirmed or publicly documented
Paula Feiten Social Media
Paula Feiten passed away in June 2011 and never had any personal social media presence online. Modern platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok emerged well after her passing. However, her story continues to reach millions of people through her family’s digital channels today.
Her son Jordan Matter regularly shares archival photos and tributes to Paula Feiten on his platforms. His YouTube channel with over 32 million subscribers frequently brings her modeling legacy to new audiences. Salish Matter also occasionally features throwback family content that includes references to her grandmother.
Paula Feiten Social Media Presence Overview
| Platform | Status | Who Shares Her Content |
| Personal Instagram | None (passed away in 2011) | — |
| Jordan Matter YouTube | Active — 32M+ subscribers | Jordan Matter |
| Jordan Matter Instagram | Active tribute posts | Jordan Matter |
| Salish Matter Instagram | Occasional family throwbacks | Salish Matter |
| Vintage Facebook Groups | Archival modeling photos shared | Fashion history communities |
| IMDb | Listed as actress (The Drifter, 1966) | Public film database |
| TMDB | Film profile listed | Public film database |
Paula Feiten Personal Life And Lifestyle
Paula Feiten lived a glamorous but grounded lifestyle during her years as a Ford Models talent. She moved through New York City’s creative circles during one of its most exciting cultural decades. Her everyday life balanced high-fashion editorial shoots with a warm and artistic home environment.
After marrying Alex Matter in 1966, Paula fully embraced a life surrounded by fine arts and design. Her in-laws Herbert and Mercedes Matter were actively working artists whose home was a creative space. Paula Feiten spent much of her family life between Manhattan exhibitions and intimate studio environments.
Music also played a meaningful role in Paula Feiten’s personal world throughout her life. Her mother Pauline had been a classical pianist, and Paula herself played the flute. That artistic home atmosphere shaped not only her own outlook but also the way she raised her son Jordan.
Is Paula Feiten Still Alive?
No, Paula Feiten is no longer alive as of 2026. She passed away in June 2011 at the age of 67 years old. Her son Jordan Matter has spoken publicly about how deeply her loss affected him during that period.
Jordan described 2011 as a bittersweet year filled with both personal grief and professional breakthroughs. He was experiencing major success in his photography career at the very same time. Losing Paula Feiten while achieving so much made that year emotionally complex for him.
Despite her passing, Paula Feiten’s memory remains very much alive through her family. Jordan Matter regularly honors her on his digital platforms with photographs and personal stories. Her legacy continues to grow as her grandchildren carry the family’s creative tradition forward each year.
Paula Feiten Now
In 2026, Paula Feiten is remembered through a growing digital revival of her 1960s modeling portfolio. Vintage fashion communities and photography enthusiasts actively share her editorial spreads across platforms. Her Lady Wrangler, Pandora, and Klopman campaigns continue to surface in mid-century fashion discussions online.
Her son Jordan Matter keeps her memory present through consistent tributes on his massive YouTube platform. Younger fans who discover Jordan or Salish Matter often trace the family roots back to Paula Feiten. Her role as the artistic matriarch of this creative family continues to grow in public appreciation.
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Final Thoughts
Paula Feiten lived a meaningful life that touched both the fashion industry and the American arts world. She modeled for top brands, appeared in film, and raised a son who became globally celebrated. Paula Feiten’s quiet influence continues to shape creative work across multiple generations of her family.
Her story is a reminder that great legacies are not always built on fame alone but on family and foundation. Through Jordan, Hudson, and Salish Matter, her artistic spirit reaches millions of people every single day. Paula Feiten may be gone, but her presence in American creative culture remains truly timeless.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Paula Feiten?
Paula Feiten was an American fashion model and actress who worked during the mid-1960s. She is best known today as the mother of photographer and YouTuber Jordan Matter.
What is Paula Feiten age?
Paula Feiten was born on October 26, 1943, and passed away in June 2011 at age 67. If she were alive in 2026, she would be 82 years old.
Was Paula Feiten a model?
Yes, Paula Feiten was a professional fashion model signed with Ford Models in New York. She appeared in Seventeen and Mademoiselle and worked with brands like Lady Wrangler and Pandora.
Is Paula Feiten still alive?
No, Paula Feiten is not alive. She passed away in June 2011 at the age of 67 years old.
Who is Paula Feiten son?
Paula Feiten’s son is Jordan Matter, a New York Times bestselling photographer and YouTube creator with over 32 million subscribers as of 2026.
What is Jordan Matter and Paula Feiten’s connection?
Jordan Matter is the only son of Paula Feiten. He has credited her modeling experience as a major influence on his photography style and career.
When did Paula Feiten get married?
Paula Feiten married Alex Matter in Manhattan, New York, in 1966. Alex was a film director and producer from a legendary American artistic family.
What movies did Paula Feiten appear in?
Paula Feiten appeared in the 1966 independent drama film The Drifter. She played the role of a waitress in that film directed by her husband Alex Matter.
What was Paula Feiten modeling agency?
Paula Feiten was represented by Ford Models, one of the most prestigious talent agencies in New York City during the 1960s.
Who are Paula Feiten grandchildren?
Paula Feiten’s grandchildren are Hudson Matter and Salish Matter. Both are well-known internet personalities and content creators as of 2026.