Dan's Papers - June 6, 2008 - Fashionista! by Kelly Krieger

Movie legends have always influenced fashion. Silver screen icons such as Greta Garbo, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor have helped to define today's fashion. "Old Hollywood" definitely put fashion in motion and set the stage for future generations.

During the silent era of film, Greta Garbo received much attention for her mysterious ways and sense of style. Sultry, chic and fashion forward on screen, Garbo preferred to dress casual and was known for wearing oversized dark sunglasses when she walked the streets of New York City (where she eventually lived out her life.)

Breakfast at Tiffany's was the perfect movie to showcase Audrey Hepburn's sense of style. Simplicity at its best. That "little black dress," long black gloves and diamond tiara will forever remain a symbol of fashion. Every woman should have at least one basic black dress for an evening affair, daytime soiree or a luncheon with friends. Coco Chanel was originally responsible for introducing the little black dress in the early '20s. A basic black dress works well for any occasion. Step it up with a set of pearls, cropped jacket and pair of classic patent leather pumps for a business meeting. For the evening, let your hair down, drop the pearls and jacket and put on a sexy pair of dangling diamond earrings to spice things up.

Grace Kelly will be remembered as one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood. Her sophisticated glamour has inspired designers and influenced millions of women internationally for over sixty years. Shirtwaist dresses, capri pants, low heels/ballerina shoes, silk/chiffon scarves and fabulous sunglasses (Chanel, Gucci and Christian Dior are great choices) were a significant part of Kelly's wardrobe. Edith Head, famous chief designer for Paramount Studios, designed many of Grace Kelly's looks for many movies including To Catch a Thief, Rear Window and Dial M for Murder.

Some Like it Hot comes to mind when we look at Marilyn Monroe's fashion history. Marilyn often wore nude/beige colored heels with her dresses to create an illusion that she was taller. The 5'5" film icon liked to wear everything skin tight. Tightly fitted capris, halter dresses, slim skirts and cinched waists were her preference. Today Dolce & Gabbana and Prada are two lines that highlight this style.

Elizabeth Taylor is best known for her over indulgence in lavish jewelry. Taylor was famous for wearing pearls and diamonds. Elizabeth Taylor may have been married a few times, but it's no wonder she married Richard Burton twice. His first gift to her was a 33.19-carat diamond. Not too shabby...

Katharine Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich made wearing men's-style trousers look sexy. Dietrich was the first star to be seen wearing trousers in public. In 1930, she starred in her first American film where she debuted wearing a man's tuxedo. Many of the costumes Dietrich usually wore were extremely daring (like the strangely provocative black suit adorned with black feathers from the film Shanghai Express.)

The beauty, style and sophistication of the silver screen legends have influenced everyone, from high fashion designers to girls next door. Their styles will never fade and will remain as everlasting as their famous films.

There are many books that follow these legendary trendsetters. One of the latest to be added to the list is Holly Would Dream by Karen Quinn.