Fashion Icons Through The Ages: The Glamourous 30's: Part 2

Myrna Loy

When Myrna's career began she seemed to be destined to be typecast into roles of either vamp or Oriental temptress/villain. That was until she was cast in "The Thin Man" with William Powell. This was her breakout role and saw her stardom rise astronomically to become the most prolific actress of her generation. She starred in a whole series of "Thin Man" sequels and repeatedly worked with Clarke Gable and William Powell; the two hottest actors of the 30's. Myrna had so many huge roles it was really hard to narrow down which pictures to share with you. With so much exposure it's not hard to imagine how Myrna became such a massive fashion icon. Take a look for yourself at the "Queen of the Movies!". 

Just look at that face!!!

Mae West

Well now, Mae could never be described as a shrinking violet! She is probably one of the most controversial ladies in our whole icon series and seemed to be in constant battle with the censorship industry. Like many others actors in the Golden age she started out in Vaudeville. Mae was witty, full of personality and oozed sex appeal. Her movie career surprisingly only began when she was close to 40 (practically unheard of in those days) and lasted for decades. It included work in radio, Broadway and Vegas. Today, Mae West is probably as well known for her sharp and spunky quotes as she is for her film work.

"When I'm good, I'm very good, but when I'm bad, I'm better!"

"I don't like myself, I'm crazy about myself!"

"I didn't discover curves, I only uncovered them"

I'll try anything once, twice if I like it, three times to make sure."

Quite the little minx right? Mae West we salute you! 

Ginger Rogers

I'm pretty sure Ginger Rogers needs no introduction. She is phenomenally well known for her dancing partnership with Fred Astaire. Miss Rogers is another screen siren who started in Vaudeville but quickly moved onto the stage and motion pictures. Not only did Ginger star in over 70 films but she also won an Academy Award and was at one point the highest paid woman in America!!! Her dancing chemistry with Fred Astaire was astonishing and cinema goers marvelled at their footwork. But Ginger is a star in her own right and a fashion icon as well as a dance icon.  

How cute is this sporty look!

Despite being a more casual look, this is one of my favourites!

Fashion Icons Through The Ages: The Glamourous 30's - Part 1

After taking a little break, we've returned to our Icon series. If you missed the Beginning of Celebrity or The Roaring Twenties then it's worth catching up on some serious fashion stakes! Now, back to one of the most sumptuous decades in fashion:

You'll be hard pressed to find someone who doesn't drool over the glamour of the 1930's. Even the most cutting edge fashionista can admire the allure of Old Hollywood. In fact this era is so chok full of glamourpusses that I'll have to split it into two parts!!!

Fay Wray
An original 'Queen Of Scream' Fay's career took off after she starred in a series of horror and thrillers where she put her talent for fearful shrieking to great use. She rose to superstardom after she starred in King Kong in 1933. Fay continued to work right up into her 80's.

Look at these fabulous tights!

Carole Lombard

Carole became the highest paid actress of her time and was considered one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood. Costume departments and designers fought to clothe her. She married one of the biggest actors of the early 30's, William Powell. The marriage didn't last long as they were dramatically different: Carole was young and fiesty whilst Powell was more mature and serious. Carole then married Clarke Gable at a time when he was becoming a huge star and they were madly in love up until her death due to a plane crash at only 33.

Jean Harlow

Known in Hollywood as the Blonde Bombshell or Baby, Jean Harlow was as synonymous for her platinum blonde locks as she was for wearing tight, bias cut silk dresses. She was a hugely popular actress of her time who played both comedic and serious roles. It's hard to believe from all of the fabulous photos we see of Jean Harlow that she was plagued by illness. Her "platinum" hair colour was created in a weekly process using peroxide, ammonia, Clorox, and soap flakes! Not surprisingly it made her hair fall out. Jean starred in so many movies with leading men like Clarke Gable and William Powell that it seems like she had a long career in Hollywood, but sadly, she died at only 26, of Kidney failure, whilst filming Saratoga.

Jean's dress was so tight for the film "Dinner at Eight" that she couldn't sit down and the director had this reclining perch made for her to relax between takes!!!

Marlene Dietrich

The sultry voiced diva with bedroom eyes definitely deserves to be on our fashion icon list. Marlene was no wallflower, she was comfortable with who she was an made no apologies if her behaviour shocked. She even said "no" to the Nazi's who wanted her to campaign for their side. Marlene married once and although it didn't last she never divorced. She had endless male and female lovers and totally rocked the androgynous look. I present to you Ms. Dietrich...