Pforever, BB. The word ‘icon‘is very often abused or used inappropriately in the world of fashion and entertainment. However, there is no more apt definition to describe the impact that Brigitte Bardot and his photos have had an impact on the history of fashion and beyond.
The famous French actress, who died on December 28 at the age of 91, remains in fact a reference point unchallenged for the fashion system, like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn. Perennially present in the moodboards of stylists, designers and ordinary women around the world, Brigitte Bardot’s style, evidenced by her most famous photos, confirms itself as an inexhaustible source of inspiration. From Capri trousers to leather ballerinas, with stripes sailor to the Vichy print, Brigitte Bardot never goes out of fashion.
An aesthetic revolution
There are many portraits and looks of Brigitte Bardot that have entered the collective imagination. Often photographed barefoot on the beach of Saint-Tropez, the French actress writes a new chapter in the history of swimwear. In the hands of Bardot, the dresses with bustier And full skirttypical of the fifties, are transformed into an instrument of female affirmation, taking on a more sensual, decisive and conscious character. The body thus begins to be put on display, thanks to bikini which caused a scandal, capri pants high waisted and top come on shoulders discoverieswho from then on were called “Bardot”.
Brigitte Bardot photographed in Cannes in 1955 in one of her most recognizable looks (Photo by Zola Bela/Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix via Getty Images)
Brigitte Bardot photo, the quintessence of French style
Starting from the 1950s, BB transformed into the most desired and admired embodiment of French taste. On the big screen, for example, in the film The Too Beautiful Bridesports a light blue flounced dress decorated with a white trimming, which has remained famous. The braids in her hair, however, they perfectly summarize Bardot’s charm, suspended between the sweet and childish features of her face and the sensual shapes of her body.
Brigitte Bardot on the set of the film The Bride Too Beautiful (Photo by Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images)
Brigitte Bardot’s wardrobe is thus filled with garments and accessories destined to become her trademark. First of all, the press Vichythe checked pattern with a cute and bon ton spirit that will even decorate one of the actress’s wedding dresses. Furthermore, his blonde and teased hair was often accompanied by bands wide and from T-shirts in marine style. The lineson the other hand, establish themselves as one of the recurring motifs in Bardot’s outfits, as demonstrated by the two-tone mini dress worn in the film I, Lovea precise synthesis of the aesthetics of the Sixties.
Brigitte Bardot on the set of the film I Love in 1966 (Photo by Comacico / Les Films du Quadrangle / Francos Film/ Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images)
The relationship with fashion
Brigitte Bardot in London in 1968 with a leather trench coat, beret and high boots (Photo by Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Off the set, Brigitte Bardot’s looks reflect her rebellious and provocative, sensual and ultra-feminine spirit. An attitude that the fashion industry soon made its own. The brand Respectfor example, created the famous leather ballerinas for her Cendrillon. That desire to freedom and self expression was fully seized by Yves Saint Laurentwho in the 1960s designed numerous garments that were immediately appreciated by the actress. It’s about the jacket Saharandel peacoat and, above all, of women’s tuxedosported by BB in Lebanon. The French icon demonstrates that sensuality and authority can go hand in hand.
It is no coincidence, then, that in the fashion show staged last year at Villa Malaparte on Capri, Jacquemus paid homage to the famous yellow bathrobe worn by Bardot Contempt. Once again renewing the charm of a myth that knows no decline.
Brigitte Bardot forever.