MARLENE DIETRICH (1901 - 1992)
When Marlene Dietrich died at age 90, the headline of her New York Times obituary decreed her a "Symbol of Glamour."
"Dietrich artfully projected cool sophistication, self-mockery, and infinite experience," said the article. "Her sexuality was audacious, her wit was insolent and her manner was ageless. With a world-weary charm and a diaphanous gown showing off her celebrated legs, she was the quintessential cabaret entertainer of Weimar-era Germany."
Dietrich's infamous role as Lola-Lola in iconic German film The Blue Angel (1930) made her an international star. Yet she shed none of her risqué sexiness as she became a household name: rather, she brought it along with her, and helped pioneer Victor-Victoria chic, often donning tails and a top hat in her films and on stage.
"She has sex but no positive gender," critic Kenneth Tynan once wrote. "Her masculinity appeals to women and her sexuality to men."
Her height was Height was 5ft 6 and her measurements were 35-24-33.
"Glamour is what I sell, it's my stock in trade."
"I dress for the image. Not for myself, not for the public, not for fashion, not for men."
"Don't ever follow the latest trend, because in a short time you will look ridiculous, don't follow it blindly into every dark alley. Always remember that you are not a model or a manniquin for which the fashion is created."
"Elegance is rarely found today. Woman are not brought up to know about it and therefore lack even the desire to acquire it."
In his summer 2004 collection John Galliano revived her glamour in his Dior D`Trick collection, adding even more sex-appeal through chiffon & lingerie and more edge through leather & tattoos. The result was an luxurious, uber-glamorous collection that was loved by today`s style icons like Gwen Stefani, who wore complete D`trick looks in her "It`s my life" video.
Runway video
Sources: 1 2 3 4
LONG LIVE GLAMOUR!