This last week has been a sad one for movie fans, with the untimely passing of comedy legend Robin Williams making headlines all over the world and for fans of Hollywood's golden era it was a double blow as we bid a fond farewell to legendary screen siren and classic fashion icon, Lauren Bacall. Ms. Bacall was one of an elite group of gorgeous ladies who mesmerised us with their beauty and lit up the silver screen with their glamour during the golden age of Hollywood. These ladies were not only incredible actresses but style queens whose classic sense of style and impeccable taste in Dress Fabrics continue to enthral us even today.
Back in the early 1920's was the first ever 'Hollywood Premiere' of Robin Hood outside Sid Grauman's Egyptian Theatre. For this very special occasion, Sid splashed out a crimson coloured walkway for his stars and the red carpet tradition was born. Throughout the 1920s to the end of the 1950s, a succession of starlets sashayed their way up the red carpet clad in full length furs and ornate jewels and cemented themselves in history. As a tribute to Lauren, and those who have gone before her, here are our top 5 style moments from the silver screen sirens:
5. Lauren Bacall - high waisted trousers
[caption id="attachment_7576" align="alignleft" width="200"]
Lauren Bacall in stylish plaid, high waisted trousers,[/caption]
Hollywood's Queen of Cool, Lauren Bacall first rose to prominence during the mid forties when she starred in a succession of film noir hits including The Big Sleep in 1946, but it was her role alongside Marilyn Monroe and Betty Grable in the 1952 classic How to Marry a Millionaire that really cemented her status as a Hollywood superstar. Ms. Bacall enjoyed a succession of high profile romances including an 11 year marriage to Humphrey Bogart and short lived engagement to Frank Sinatra. Amid the turbulence of her colourful love life, Lauren remained the epitome of poise and elegance and always took care to project an image of cool serenity through her wardrobe choices. A former fashion model, Lauren displayed a natural sense of style and favoured classic tailoring and simple lines and her signature look was the high waisted trouser which suited perfectly her tall, willowy frame. This style of trouser still remains a high fashion item today and is perfect for almost any occasion including office wear and smart formal outfits. We carry a selection of Dress Fabrics which are just perfect for emulating this classic style, including our brushed cotton fabrics which are available in a wide variety of designs including classic plaid favoured by Lauren Bacall.
4. Vivien Leigh - 1940 Academy Awards
[caption id="attachment_7577" align="alignright" width="200"]
Vivien Leigh at the 1940 Oscars[/caption]
Heralded as one of the great beauties of all time, Vivien Leigh was of course most famous for her role as Scarlett O'Hara in the 1939 epic Gone With The Wind and it is the iconic gowns she wore during this Oscar winning performance that she remains most famous for. However, Vivien displayed an impeccable sense of style herself which was a world away from the hoop skirts and restrictive corsets which made her famous. Vivien displayed her impeccable fashion sense in all its wonderful glory at the 1940 Academy Awards which she attended with her future husband Laurence Olivier. This was the year that Vivien was honoured for her iconic performance as Scarlett O'Hara, a role which she almost missed out on as she was considered "too British". For the occasion, Vivien chose a stunning silk floral number designed by Irene Gibbons featuring a poppy pattern and daring cut outs at the waist. This was an incredible choice of gown which was so classic and beautiful it could be worn on any red carpet today and still be considered a fashion hit. Our selection of haute couture Dress Fabrics are perfect for creating elegant, high end designs such as this for a very special occasion.
3. Audrey Hepburn - Mod Icon
[caption id="attachment_7578" align="alignleft" width="197"]
Audrey Hepburn in the distinctive mod-style of the sixties.[/caption]
"I don't consider myself to be an icon, I just do my thing", said the woman who is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful and stylish that ever lived. In 2011, Audrey Hepburn was voted the most beautiful British woman of all time and whilst she was certainly blessed with almost perfect features she knew how to dress to accentuate her delicate, elfin like features and credited her perfect silhouette to the designer Hubert de Givenchy, with whom she enjoyed a long term professional relationship and close friendship. With a background as a ballet dancer, Ms. Hepburn's natural poise and elegance made anything she wore look flawless and elegant. Audrey is of course, most famous for her role as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's when she wore a Givenchy piece which has become known as one of the most iconic outfits of all time and quite possibly the most famous LBD ever! However, it was in the latter part of this decade when Audrey's style really came into it's own, with the arrival of the Mod era, Audrey found herself becoming an icon in her own time; the mid 1960s saw the rise of the youth subculture based around music and a stylish, perfectly tailored style of dress. This look suited Audrey perfectly with her short haircut and striking features accentuated with a flick of black eyeliner and lashings of mascara. In promotional images for the 1967 feature film, Two For The Road, Audrey is seen posing in a black patent suit by legendary designer Mary Quant and is the epitome of 1960s Mod glamour.
2. Grace Kelly - 1955 Academy Awards
[caption id="attachment_7579" align="alignright" width="206"]
Grace Kelly at the 1955 Academy Awards[/caption]
Before she was Princess Grace of Monaco, former model Grace Kelly was Hollywood royalty and fashion lover starring in a succession of blockbusters alongside superstars such as Clark Gable and Ava Gardener. Famously known as Albert Hitchcock's muse, Grace quickly stole the hearts of everyone around her but it was at the Cannes Film in April 1955 when the archetypal American beauty and fashion icon met Prince Rainer III of Monaco and found herself becoming real life royalty. Before she captured the eye of the prince, the blue eyed beauty was considered a veritable style icon famed for her distinctive, feminine style of dress based around designer dresses, Hermes handbags (one of which was later named after her) and lavish jewellery of pearls and diamonds. At the 1955 Academy Awards, Grace Kelly was awarded with the prize of Best Actress for her role in A Country Girl and it was this that sealed Grace as a silver screen icon. To collect the award, she wore an incredible dress in a stunning sea green, silk Dress Fabric which perfectly accentuated her hour glass figure and piercing blue eyes. Designed by legendary costume designer, Edith Head this dress has gone down in history as the epitome of red carpet style and elegance and is still considered the bench mark for Hollywood actresses today.
1. Marilyn Monroe
[caption id="attachment_7580" align="alignleft" width="265"]
Marilyn, the ultimate silver screen siren.[/caption]
Although Marilyn Monroe is not widely considered to be a fantastic actress she was certainly alluring and it is her beguiling beauty and impeccable sense of style that still captivates millions of fans around the world. Known for her incredible curves and unrivalled sex appeal, Marilyn is the embodiment of the silver screen legend. Born Norma Jean Mortensen in 1926, Marilyn Monroe began her career as a model but it was her performances in The Asphalt Jungle and All About Eve that catapulted her to superstardom and in the succeeding years, Ms Monroe famously captured the eye of presidents and sports stars with whom she embarked upon a series of ill fated love affairs; but despite her personal troubles, Marilyn remained the essence of composure and elegance. She knew that her looks were her greatest weapon and although Marilyn was often portrayed as a ditzy blonde, she was anything but, the business savvy bombshell knew that her looks were her greatest weapon and she never left the house without her sky high heels and a slick of red lipstick. In August 1962, millions of fans were left devastated when Marilyn was found passed away at her home in Brentwood, California and even 52 years later, she is still mourned by fans all over the globe. Marilyn made such a huge impact on Hollywood that her presence is still felt by many of the red carpet stars today, actress Blake Lively famously revealed that she imagines herself to be Marilyn when she is self conscious. Everywhere in the world of entertainment we can still see her influence, in fashion, beauty and in the role of women in the entertainment industry itself. Marilyn wore so many incredible outfits that it would be impossible to choose just one as the most iconic; however, one of her most famous (and most emulated) moments was when she wore a full length, flesh coloured gown of a gauze Dress Fabric, encrusted with rhinestones to serenade the then president, John F Kennedy at Madison Square Garden in 1962. This dress still holds the record as the most expensive dress ever to be sold at auction.
Lauren Bacall in stylish plaid, high waisted trousers,[/caption]
Hollywood's Queen of Cool, Lauren Bacall first rose to prominence during the mid forties when she starred in a succession of film noir hits including The Big Sleep in 1946, but it was her role alongside Marilyn Monroe and Betty Grable in the 1952 classic How to Marry a Millionaire that really cemented her status as a Hollywood superstar. Ms. Bacall enjoyed a succession of high profile romances including an 11 year marriage to Humphrey Bogart and short lived engagement to Frank Sinatra. Amid the turbulence of her colourful love life, Lauren remained the epitome of poise and elegance and always took care to project an image of cool serenity through her wardrobe choices. A former fashion model, Lauren displayed a natural sense of style and favoured classic tailoring and simple lines and her signature look was the high waisted trouser which suited perfectly her tall, willowy frame. This style of trouser still remains a high fashion item today and is perfect for almost any occasion including office wear and smart formal outfits. We carry a selection of Dress Fabrics which are just perfect for emulating this classic style, including our brushed cotton fabrics which are available in a wide variety of designs including classic plaid favoured by Lauren Bacall.
4. Vivien Leigh - 1940 Academy Awards
[caption id="attachment_7577" align="alignright" width="200"] Vivien Leigh at the 1940 Oscars[/caption]
Heralded as one of the great beauties of all time, Vivien Leigh was of course most famous for her role as Scarlett O'Hara in the 1939 epic Gone With The Wind and it is the iconic gowns she wore during this Oscar winning performance that she remains most famous for. However, Vivien displayed an impeccable sense of style herself which was a world away from the hoop skirts and restrictive corsets which made her famous. Vivien displayed her impeccable fashion sense in all its wonderful glory at the 1940 Academy Awards which she attended with her future husband Laurence Olivier. This was the year that Vivien was honoured for her iconic performance as Scarlett O'Hara, a role which she almost missed out on as she was considered "too British". For the occasion, Vivien chose a stunning silk floral number designed by Irene Gibbons featuring a poppy pattern and daring cut outs at the waist. This was an incredible choice of gown which was so classic and beautiful it could be worn on any red carpet today and still be considered a fashion hit. Our selection of haute couture Dress Fabrics are perfect for creating elegant, high end designs such as this for a very special occasion.
3. Audrey Hepburn - Mod Icon
[caption id="attachment_7578" align="alignleft" width="197"] Audrey Hepburn in the distinctive mod-style of the sixties.[/caption]
"I don't consider myself to be an icon, I just do my thing", said the woman who is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful and stylish that ever lived. In 2011, Audrey Hepburn was voted the most beautiful British woman of all time and whilst she was certainly blessed with almost perfect features she knew how to dress to accentuate her delicate, elfin like features and credited her perfect silhouette to the designer Hubert de Givenchy, with whom she enjoyed a long term professional relationship and close friendship. With a background as a ballet dancer, Ms. Hepburn's natural poise and elegance made anything she wore look flawless and elegant. Audrey is of course, most famous for her role as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's when she wore a Givenchy piece which has become known as one of the most iconic outfits of all time and quite possibly the most famous LBD ever! However, it was in the latter part of this decade when Audrey's style really came into it's own, with the arrival of the Mod era, Audrey found herself becoming an icon in her own time; the mid 1960s saw the rise of the youth subculture based around music and a stylish, perfectly tailored style of dress. This look suited Audrey perfectly with her short haircut and striking features accentuated with a flick of black eyeliner and lashings of mascara. In promotional images for the 1967 feature film, Two For The Road, Audrey is seen posing in a black patent suit by legendary designer Mary Quant and is the epitome of 1960s Mod glamour.
2. Grace Kelly - 1955 Academy Awards
[caption id="attachment_7579" align="alignright" width="206"] Grace Kelly at the 1955 Academy Awards[/caption]
Before she was Princess Grace of Monaco, former model Grace Kelly was Hollywood royalty and fashion lover starring in a succession of blockbusters alongside superstars such as Clark Gable and Ava Gardener. Famously known as Albert Hitchcock's muse, Grace quickly stole the hearts of everyone around her but it was at the Cannes Film in April 1955 when the archetypal American beauty and fashion icon met Prince Rainer III of Monaco and found herself becoming real life royalty. Before she captured the eye of the prince, the blue eyed beauty was considered a veritable style icon famed for her distinctive, feminine style of dress based around designer dresses, Hermes handbags (one of which was later named after her) and lavish jewellery of pearls and diamonds. At the 1955 Academy Awards, Grace Kelly was awarded with the prize of Best Actress for her role in A Country Girl and it was this that sealed Grace as a silver screen icon. To collect the award, she wore an incredible dress in a stunning sea green, silk Dress Fabric which perfectly accentuated her hour glass figure and piercing blue eyes. Designed by legendary costume designer, Edith Head this dress has gone down in history as the epitome of red carpet style and elegance and is still considered the bench mark for Hollywood actresses today.
1. Marilyn Monroe
[caption id="attachment_7580" align="alignleft" width="265"] Marilyn, the ultimate silver screen siren.[/caption]
Although Marilyn Monroe is not widely considered to be a fantastic actress she was certainly alluring and it is her beguiling beauty and impeccable sense of style that still captivates millions of fans around the world. Known for her incredible curves and unrivalled sex appeal, Marilyn is the embodiment of the silver screen legend. Born Norma Jean Mortensen in 1926, Marilyn Monroe began her career as a model but it was her performances in The Asphalt Jungle and All About Eve that catapulted her to superstardom and in the succeeding years, Ms Monroe famously captured the eye of presidents and sports stars with whom she embarked upon a series of ill fated love affairs; but despite her personal troubles, Marilyn remained the essence of composure and elegance. She knew that her looks were her greatest weapon and although Marilyn was often portrayed as a ditzy blonde, she was anything but, the business savvy bombshell knew that her looks were her greatest weapon and she never left the house without her sky high heels and a slick of red lipstick. In August 1962, millions of fans were left devastated when Marilyn was found passed away at her home in Brentwood, California and even 52 years later, she is still mourned by fans all over the globe. Marilyn made such a huge impact on Hollywood that her presence is still felt by many of the red carpet stars today, actress Blake Lively famously revealed that she imagines herself to be Marilyn when she is self conscious. Everywhere in the world of entertainment we can still see her influence, in fashion, beauty and in the role of women in the entertainment industry itself. Marilyn wore so many incredible outfits that it would be impossible to choose just one as the most iconic; however, one of her most famous (and most emulated) moments was when she wore a full length, flesh coloured gown of a gauze Dress Fabric, encrusted with rhinestones to serenade the then president, John F Kennedy at Madison Square Garden in 1962. This dress still holds the record as the most expensive dress ever to be sold at auction.