Remembered as an unapologetic maximalist, a hopeless romantic and passionate philanthropist, Elizabeth Taylor’s love of diamonds and daring outfits continue to inspire and enthrall. Here are Exquisite.ie’s top style lessons from one of Hollywood’s ultimate old school stars:
IT PAYS TO BE FEARLESS…
Liz was no shrinking violet who became known for her extravagance, rightly or wrongly. When it comes to fashion, The Cut describes Taylor’s style as absolutely fearless. From her trademark diamonds to big hair and larger-than-life outfits, she was a force to be reckoned with on and off the red carpet. Throughout her public life, which spanned nearly seven decades, she was always daring and never afraid to take centre stage.
DIAMONDS DON’T MAKE YOU SHINE…
Despite this meticulous attention to style and fearless fashion, Taylor was vocal about inner beauty in her own way. Although one of her most famous style quotes is, “Big girls need big diamonds,” she had also famously said…
“I adore wearing gems, but not because they are mine. You can’t possess radiance, you can only admire it.”
This corollary principle reveals that Taylor understood that however exquisite her jewelry was, it did not define her. She would still be a great beauty without her diamonds.
FASHION ISN’T JUST FOR TALL, SKINNY GIRLS…
Costumer and one of Taylor’s best friends Edith Head tells Vogue that dressing the star wasn’t the same as styling for contemporaries Grace Kelly or Audrey Hepburn. She was petite at five foot two and extremely curvaceous, something stylists had a challenge working with at first.
Together with Head, Taylor had made this seeming disadvantage work in her favour with figure-hugging ensembles. She wore outfits that accentuated her chiseled face, lavender blue eyes, and hourglass figure. In the picture above, Elizabeth poses in a dress made by legendary designer Hubert de Givenchy.
THERE’S NO AGE LIMIT TO PLAYING DRESS UP…
Taylor’s iconic role as the titular Cleopatra in the 1963 film was groundbreaking in several ways. It was the most expensive film ever made at the time of its production, and it also marked the first time a leading lady was paid $1 million. Moreover, it also created a look that would later on become almost synonymous to Taylor’s name – dramatic eyeliner, turbans, capes, arm cuffs, and vibrant chiffons and silks.
Her legacy as the face of the ancient pharaoh is everywhere from fashion to computer games. Foxy Bingo also tapped into the character’s enduring popularity in the Cleopatra game, which makes use of similar imagery.
