Tie One On

Like Kate Spade, I love a bow. No matter how streamlined an outfit, the bow tie introduces a hint of whimsy.

Take, for example, this smoldering satin dress worn by Rita Hayworth in “Gilda” in 1946. Designed by Jean Louis, the dress was made to hid Hayworth’s pregnancy – with the bow being a key to the camouflage. 

And didn’t Grace Kelly know how to work a bow? 

I think we all know by now that stilettos are unhealthy for the human foot. But the iconic bow heels by Valentino are worth wearing for a few hours … perhaps while sitting in a chaise and reading about Madame du Pompadour (as these are certainly Pompadour pink).

For those who simply can’t hack heels, there’s always a bow-topped satin clutch, also by Valentino.

Artist Marta Spendowska has rendered some gorgeous gals with their necks draped in dramatic bows.

 

And for a bow tie created with an artist’s hand, here is a handcrafted gem by Otis James of Nashville.

Happy Birthday Edith Head!

Edith Head, the American costume designer who won eight Academy Awards, sagely said, “A dress should be tight enough to show you're a woman and loose enough to prove you're a lady.” Born October 28, 1897, she would have been 116 years old today and Google's Doodle celebrated that fact. 

 Head was the brains behind such stunners as the white gown Elizabeth Taylor wore in "A Place in the Sun."

She also designed this amazing confection for Grace Kelly for "To Catch a Thief", the film directed by Alfred Hitchcock. 

 

Another gown from "To Catch a Thief." 

Some of Head's best work was seen in her collaborations with Hitchcock, includling such films as "The Birds", "Vertigo" and "Rear Window." Love this look on Kim Novak in "Vertigo." 

Edith was known for her trademark look of round glasses and bluntly cut bangs. Years ago I attended an Edith Head retrospective in New York City where I met Lauren Bacall and Tippi Hedren and during which Roddy McDowall stepped on the hem of my vintage pink evening gown. Ah, youth. It was one of the best nights of my career; I wrote about it for In Style magazine. Thanks for the memories and the magic, Edith.