Jean Harlow: As a Fashion Icon


Jean Harlow was a Hollywood actress during the 1930s. She was known for her blonde hair and sex appeal and was one of the most popular actresses of her time. Some of her most notable films include "Red Dust," "Dinner at Eight," and "Bombshell." She died in 1937 at the age of 26 from kidney failure.

As A Fashion Icon

Jean Harlow was considered a fashion icon during the 1930s. Her signature look was her platinum blonde hair, which was unusual for the time and helped to establish her as a symbol of Hollywood glamour. She was often seen wearing elegant gowns, furs, and jewellery in her films and public appearances. Her style was considered very fashionable, and many women of the time aspired to emulate it. Additionally, her on-screen image as a strong, independent woman also contributed to her status as a fashion icon.

Personal Life

Jean Harlow was born Harlean Harlow Carpenter in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1911. Her mother was a stage actress, and Harlow began acting in plays and films at a young age. In 1928, she moved to Hollywood with her mother and stepfather and soon landed a contract with Howard Hughes' studio.

She appeared in several small roles before making her breakthrough in the 1931 film "Platinum Blonde." This film established her as a major star and sex symbol, and she quickly became one of the most popular actresses in Hollywood. Harlow was married twice, first to businessman Paul Bern and later to cinematographer Harold Rosson. Both marriages were brief and ended in divorce. Harlow was known for her beauty and her comedic timing, but also for her intelligence and her sharp wit. She was respected by her peers and was considered one of the most talented actresses of her generation. However, her personal life was plagued with scandals, including her marriages and her relationship with her mother.

Harlow died of kidney failure on June 7, 1937, at the age of 26. Her death was a great shock to Hollywood, and she was mourned by fans and colleagues alike. She was interred in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Glendale, California.

Career

Jean Harlow's career began in the late 1920s, when she was discovered by a Hollywood producer while working as an extra in films. Harlow appeared in over 30 films during her career, many of which were considered major box office hits. Some of her most notable films include "Red Dust" (1932), in which she starred alongside Clark Gable; "Bombshell" (1933); "Dinner at Eight" (1933); "China Seas" (1935); and "Libeled Lady" (1936). In addition to her success in films, Harlow also had a successful career as a model and a public figure. She was known for her glamorous and elegant fashion sense, and her style was considered very modern and influential. She was often featured in magazines and newspapers, and her image was used to sell a variety of products, including clothing and beauty products.

Despite her success, Harlow's career was cut short by her untimely death in 1937 at the age of 26. She died of renal failure, and her death was widely mourned in Hollywood and around the world. She is remembered as one of the most iconic actresses of the 1930s, and her films continue to be remembered and celebrated today.

Her Famous Outfits

Jean Harlow was known for her glamorous and elegant fashion sense. Some of her most famous outfits from her films include

  • The white, strapless gown she wore in the 1933 film "Dinner at Eight" became an iconic symbol of her style and sexual appeal.

  • The gold lamé dress she wore in the 1935 film "China Seas," which was considered one of the most striking costumes of the 1930s,

  • The fur-trimmed coat and hat she wore in the 1936 film "Riffraff," which was a perfect example of her ability to make even the simplest outfit look sophisticated,

  • The black evening gown she wore in the 1936 film "Libeled Lady," which was considered one of the most elegant and timeless outfits of her career,

  • The yellow dress she wore in the 1933 film "Bombshell," which became one of the most famous outfits of the 1930s, helped establish her as a fashion icon of the era.

Many of her outfits were designed by the famous Hollywood costume designer, Adrian, who was known for his ability to create glamorous, figure-flattering clothing. Harlow's fashion sense was considered very modern and influential, inspiring many other actresses and women of the time to emulate her look.

Signature Look

Jean Harlow's signature look was defined by her platinum blonde hair, which was unusual for the time and helped to establish her as a symbol of Hollywood glamour. This look was achieved by bleaching her naturally dark hair, which was maintained by frequent touch-ups. Her hair color, along with her striking blue eyes and full lips, distinguished her from other actresses of the time and helped her become one of Hollywood's most recognizable stars.

In addition to her blonde hair, Harlow's style was defined by her elegant and sophisticated fashion sense. She was often seen wearing elegant gowns, furs, and jewellery in her films and public appearances. Her dresses were typically figure-hugging and showed off her hourglass figure to great effect. Her wardrobe was designed to enhance her natural beauty and give her a sensual and seductive appearance, which was a major part of her on-screen persona.

Harlow's fashion sense was considered very modern and influential, inspiring many other actresses and women of the time to emulate her look. Her style helped to define the Hollywood glamour of the 1930s and continues to be remembered as an iconic look to this day.

How She Influenced the World of Fashion

Jean Harlow's influence on the world of fashion was significant during the 1930s and still continues to be remembered today. Harlow's platinum blonde hair was considered unusual for the time, but her striking beauty and her ability to make it look sophisticated helped to establish her as a symbol of Hollywood glamour. Her blonde hair became her trademark, inspiring many women to dye their hair blonde, creating a trend that lasted for decades.

In addition to her hair, Harlow's fashion sense was also considered very modern and influential. She was often seen wearing elegant and sophisticated gowns, furs, and jewellery in her films and public appearances. Her dresses were typically figure-hugging and showed off her hourglass figure to great effect. Her wardrobe was designed to enhance her natural beauty and give her a sensual and seductive appearance, which was a major part of her on-screen persona. Her fashion sense was considered very modern and influential, inspiring many other actresses and women of the time to emulate her look.

Harlow's influence on fashion was not limited to Hollywood; it also extended to everyday fashion. Her style was considered very fashionable, and many women of the time aspired to emulate it. Many fashion designers of the time were inspired by her style and incorporated elements of it into their designs, which helped shape the fashion trends of the 1930s. Harlow's fashion sense and style continue to be remembered and celebrated as iconic looks in Hollywood history and in the fashion world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Jean Harlow was a major Hollywood star and fashion icon of the 1930s. She was known for her striking platinum blonde hair, which was considered unusual for the time and helped to establish her as a symbol of Hollywood glamour. Her hair color, along with her striking blue eyes and full lips, distinguished her from other actresses of the time and helped her become one of Hollywood's most recognizable stars. Her elegant and sophisticated fashion sense, including her figure-hugging dresses and furs, was considered very modern and influential, inspiring many other actresses and women of the time to emulate her look. Her style helped to define the Hollywood glamour of the 1930s and continues to be remembered as an iconic look to this day. Harlow's influence on the world of fashion was significant and continues to be remembered today

Updated on: 10-Feb-2023

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