Exotic Dressed Beauty - Gene Tierney.

Gene Tierney, a woman I gazed at awe in whilst watching her old movies as I grew up. Her grace, beauty, those eyes, her hair, those shoes, her makeup, those dresses, hats, jewels - she was grace personified. It wasn't so much her presence on screen as what she wore on screen that captivated me. Oh those clothes......(whistles loudly)....beautiful.

Laura 1944.

Funnily enough the films that I admire Gene Tierney in don't contain Tyrone Power. She has a most magical presence in the film The Ghost and Mrs Muir, 1947 which was the first film I ever saw her in. It is my favourite Gene Tierney film for her acting and the script. Not one for beautiful dresses or elaborate costumes, it is a film to nourish the soul. Tierney plays a young widow who moves into a lonely old house on a cliff, by the sea called Gull Cottage, which is haunted by a handsome young sea captain called Daniel, and with whom she falls in love. This is the house I desire to build, I love it so. I have watched and cried at this film easily over a thousand times. It touches my soul deeper than I can ever possibly explain.

Having watched her in the films where she starred alongside Tyrone Power, her appeal lessened and she seemed thin and insipid along side his charms, but that may of course be an immense personal preference on my part.........er hem...(coughs).
I didn't warm to her as an actress in any other film until I saw her in Laura, 1944. Where she played alongside Cliffton Webb, he of Mr Belvadere fame. It is a murder mystery as Tierney's character is the victim, and we the audience are asked to unravel the plot through her letters, friends and personal diaries, along with the policeman investigating her death - who soon becomes obsessed with the deceased character.

My favourite red Tierney dress.

Born in 1920, American actress Tierney died in 1991 aged 70 of emphysema. She suffered from mental health issues after the birth of her first born child and was treated with electric Shock therapy, something that she later claimed took large portions of her memory away. Married twice, her first husband whom she married in 1941 and divorced in 1952, was the noted fashion designer Oleg Cassini, who for several years designed exclusively for his movie star wife. He was assistant costume designer to the legendary Edith Head in the 1930's and later in the 1960's became the favourite designer for the classic American first lady Jackie Kennedy, JFK's wife.
Oleg and Tierney had two daughters together. During her first pregnancy in 1943 Tierney contracted Rubella (German measles) from a brief autograph signing of a fan meet and greet at a movie studio held event. Her daughter was born with severe disabilities due to the illness and had to be intitutionalized. All her daughter's medical bills and life long care were paid for by Tierney's good friend billionaire Howard Hughes.

I love this red dress that Tierney wears in this late 1940's photo shoot, no doubt designed and created by her loving husband Oleg Cassini. It is beautiful. Especially with the lilac sash. It's one I hope to recreate for myself one day very soon. I have a huge stash of old movie clips and photos and hoardes of dress sketches I wish to sew, but it's that old enemy time. Until then I shall just keep collecting and drooling......looking for similar at the Vintage Fairs.
This look on the right with the black and whole striped gloves and head band/turban/wrap are what I am on the lookout for at the moment. It is on my list - all except for the pink corsage flower as the finishing touch, for me I think it should be scarlet red. I love EVERYTHING about this photo apart from that pale pink flower. Her hair, lips, coat - just that flower lets it all down. It is a small bug bear, but there we have it.
I ask you, what woman couldn't fail to look timeless, elegant and absolutely stunning with a genius like Cassini exclusively designer for her?!


Tierney and her designer husband Oleg Cassini.



After their divorce Oleg went onto become engaged to Grace Kelly. He was obviously a man who had an eye for style and beauty, not just on the clothes rail but off as well. He even went on to design and produce a fashion doll named after Gene and his second daughter, Tina. Something that is quite sort after by collectors I am told, although I never had one as a child - I think the doll looks suspiciously like his ex-wife Gene, but then maybe it is more than likely to be modelled on their daughter. It's a shame she didn't end up rivaling Sindy or Barbie for their titles, along with Mary Quant's Daisy doll.

I love the delicate neckline of this outfit. Cupids and their hearts. It reminds me of the latest butterfly cardigans that you see around now in the Vintage and retro boutiques in Brighton. Something that would go well with high waisted slacks, a full circle skirt, pencil skirt or cropped jeans. It is cute not matter what the style of occasion you wish to dress it for, with almost a bedtime peignoir lure to it.

Yes, I am afraid it is her designer husband and his creations that fascinate me more about Gene Tierney, than Gene Tierney herself. Even though she had by some standards a tragic life and one of some hardship, I myself see her more as a stunning clothes horse for her husband's genius creations. Perhaps I am being too harsh on her, but really it is not so much Tierney I notice or watch in films, as her dresses that glide by my vigilant eyes.
Yes she is beautiful, yes she is a good actress, but her appeal is more for a male audience I think. All those fluttering eyelashes and demure smiles. No, my interest alone is her outstanding wardrobe - one that I envy with a clear passion. Would that Oleg Cassini design for me! x

Gowns galore to have a hissy fit over. One of the types of gowns Cassini is known for today is his Wedding gowns, of which he had a line out when he died in 2006. Beautiful, elegant and understated, almost echoing the ball and evening gowns of his ex wife Gene Tierney. What a muse she must have been for him, along with Grace Kelly and Jackie O.
If Tierney is wearing an outfit between 1941 and 1952 you can bet it will be have been designed by her clever husband. What better way to advertise your creations than on one of the most beautiful women in the world.

Tyrone Power - My Smooth Moustachio Hero.

In honour of the month and movement of Movember I thought I would write about one of the only men I feel can carry off a decent stubble and dashing or rugged 'tash, my ultimate screen God, Tyrone Power.
In fact he could do anything in my books and still come out smelling of roses.....it's those long eye lashes, smouldering dark looks and lips of his, that smile, he could make anything seem ok, if he just smiles. Swoon.

I have long had a crush on Mr Power, since I was a small girl. It never bothered me that he died long before I was conceived, or even before my parents could tie their own shoe laces in fact. He will always and forever be immortal on the silver screen.
Born Tyrone Edmund Power Jnr, to Theatrical acting parents and often referred to just as Ty, he was born on 5th May 1914 in Cincinnati, Ohio, America and sadly aged just 44 he passed away on November 15th 1958 from a heart attack. That's nearly 53 years ago this year, almost to the day. His own father Tyrone Power snr died in his sons arms in 1931, also from a heart attack, whilst waiting to go on stage.
Tyrone Power Jnr, was a  versatile actor and in 1936 he starred in his first Hollywood film, the lead role in Lloyd's of London. He had walked into that movie premiere an unknown actor, he left a movie star, a role he remained for the rest of his life. Throughout his full career he played strong character roles from film noir to light romantic comedies, each with his own rougish charm.

I love Tyrone Power's films, I'm drawn to his strength and romantic portrayals. I am an optimistic romantic soul at heart. The first film, and one of my favourites, that I saw Tyrone in was 'The Black Swan', based on the novel of the same name by Rafael Sabatini. He played the lead role as swashbuckling Captain Jamie Waring, a pirate and Buccaneer with Maureen O'Hara in 1942 in glorious Technicolour.
Set in the Caribbean around the life of the infamous pirate Captain Henry Morgan. It was the first film that stirred my young romantic heart in the school summer holidays and turned pirates, previously seen by my young self as smelly dirty and ragged, into dashing, courageous hero's with a cheeky tongue and a heart that knew when he had found his one true love. To me, it was a romantic fairytale on the historic high seas, a place I was very unlikely to ever visit and therefore this helped it make all the more impressionable imprint on my tender immature heart.

Tierney and Powers in Son Of Fury. 1942.

Later on I discovered that he played alongside on the screen with one of my favourite female actresses, Gene Tierney, in three films and typically for Hollywood they had a love affair whilst filming their first film together, being Son Of Fury: The Story Of Benjamin Blake (1942). Another period swashbuckler, based on the novel Benjamin Blake by author Edison Marshall.
There is something so intense about this movie that it literally makes my heart skip a beat. Gene Tierney has long been a screen Goddess of style, grace and glamour to me. Her sultry exotic looks made her the perfect choice to play Eve, Benjamin Blake's islander wife and love interest as a marooned sailor. I personally, think this photo of them together with it's deep intensity is enough reason alone to make any red blooded gal wanna watch it! 



Tierney and Powers in The Razor's Edge.

The Razor's Edge, (1946), another film based on a novel of the same name, came along next as their starring roles together. It was on this film that it is rumour 'got out' about their love affair together. It is a tale about salvation and trying to find life's answers.



In 1948 they filmed a comedy together That Wonderful Urge. A love rivalry with lots of innuendos. A rich Heiress and a newspaper reporter are thrown together by circumstances.
 I will not bore you with the writing of  the synopsis of these films in too much depth, in case I spoil them for you. They need to be watched to be fully appreciated as the plot unfolds before you. I dislike watching trailers of movies lest they spoil it all for me. I'd much rather watch the movie for the movies sake not for a part I am imagining will happen on screen, on that pathway leads disappointment. Much better to settle down and watch with an open mind I say. The only thing I have done for you, is to allow the films and actors to talk for themselves with a brief clip for those of you who do like to take a sneek peek, thus leaving the choice entirely up to you, the viewer.

Over the years since his death there has been much written about Tyrone Powers love affairs and sexuality, albeit he was married several times, and even though there is no proof many have claimed that he was bisexual. Do you know what, I don't care either way, to me he will always be my silver screen hero. x

Fur - The BIG Debate.

I am a vegetarian. I love animals. Goes without saying. I did not choose however to become a vegetarian, I was born this way and then raised as one. I am allergic to the fats and protein in meat. They make me sick, literally.
Now, I don't like touching meat full stop, which I think those who you who know me will I'm sure of heard me mention before. Can't stand it. Reminds me a a corpse on a slab and I don't like it. Yet I still cook and prepare meat for those I love every week. It is their choice to eat meat not mine.

Simone D'alliencourt. Loius Vuitton pic by Henry Clarke 1930's.

Okay.........fur. It is the bi-product of the meat production, both for animals (cat and dog food) and humans. Leather is a bi-product of the beef dishes and burgers fast food joints and rabbit fur is the bi-product of all the tins of pet food consummed in their billions every week. An where do you think the fleece of the lamb or mutton goes after it's been killed? Into any kind of wool product industry they can sell it to of course.
There are some furs that I won't wear though, I absolutely don't agree with killing an animal for it's fur coat alone, like cute baby seals, foxes, minks, leopards, bear, tigers etc - but I do wear leather and wool. I love leather coats, bags and shoes. I love knitted dresses and scarves. However I don't agree with using animal skins either just for the sake of it, I'm thinking crocodile skin bags here and the such like.
I don't agree with killing an animal just for it's skin or fur alone is what I am trying to say, but if it is a bi-product of the meat eating industry then it I've come round to the conclusion that it's okay for me to wear it. Use all of the animal, don't waste it's life......Or.......... and here is where some real controversy may kick in -  if it is vintage. And I mean at least fifty years old. Where the animal has died long ago and it seems a sin to just destroy the fur, otherwise the animal really did die in vain. Of course these are my own personal opinions and everyone else is entitled to their own. To some it may seem like I am muddled in my ethics but to me they make absolutely perfect sense.
I already own faux fur coats, boleros and wraps and I did own two adorable full length fur coats when I was a teenager. Vintage 1920's white mink and a 1930's brown rabbit, but I was a teenage kid, I looked too frumpy in them, I hadn't quite matured into them yet. Then when we got stuck for money as a young loved up married couple, I sold them to a vinatge clothes dealer for good money. Hurrah, we could pay the mortgage that month!
Only, I really regret selling them now, because I want another fur coat. I have always missed them, always thought rather fondly off them, and now I wish I had them. So along with my other three coats I desire, I am adding a fourth to the list - a vintage fur. Or it could be a faux fur - I don't mind - it would be much easier to look after.
Oh yes, a real fur needs constant care - I learnt that as a small child from elderly relative's wardrobes and their  furs, they were like Narnian Wardrobes of delight for me as a tiny nipper. You have to keep them at a constant low temperature, (to avoid moulting and moths......yes really, it will moult but not grow back!), never store them in a plastic bag - as they need the air to circulate around them, try not to wear shoulder strap bags as this can wear and rub on a vintage fur shoulder, if it gets wet in the rain - just shake it off and let it dry naturally - never use heat to dry it, place cedar moth balls in the pockets and hang some in a bag on the hanger to keep them safe from moths, gently smooth it and love them as you would almost real human hair otherwise you will end up with a patchy bald fur coat - not very attractive.

The big craze this winter in all the stores is the fur. They are everywhere. Topshop have some beautiful faux fur coats at the moment and they also have some amazing faux fur capes , faux fur stoles glam rockette style, and their fur wrap tie collars. Other stores such as the divine  Oasis 60's style Peggy coat  both stores are filled with extremely stylish and reasonably in priced stroke-able items. I just wish I didn't have to choose one, because I could easily purchase them all. Oasis has a whole heap of faux furs in store and online. I will definitely be checking them out come the January sales!!!
Meanwhile I am on the hunt for vintage 1940's furs. It's my pre-Christmas Winter gift and I will know the coat and wrap when I see them. It will be my special, special - I can wear a slinky little Summer number underneath, even in the cold heart of Winter, coat. My, have to look after it for life coat.

Secret Letters.

Yesterday, I didn't feel too good and decided to ensconce myself on the sofa in the evening, cuddling a cushion and watching a programme I had saved for myself on the planner. Entitled Secret Letters, it was about the most recent discovery in a family members loft of several suitcases full of the authenticated letters and correspondence of Wallis Simpson. A secret that has been kept until the last of them went to their graves and promised to keep hidden until the true story could be told.

'David'.

As I am enraptured by history, and especially this period. Long have I drooled over some of Walli's clothes and flawless style. I of course know the story of Wallis and Simpson - who doesn't! The woman who got her man. Love story of the Twentieth Century. The scarlet harlot of a twice divorced woman who lured the dashing bachelor future King V111 away from his duty and the throne of England - Scandal galore!!!
But you see, what many people don't realize is that history changes. It is not dead and in the past. It is alive and vibrant and changing all the time, as historians and archaeologists discover and understand new things. Evidence that will change our points of view is surfacing all the time. Usually only the victors got to write history, but remember there are always two sides to every story.

Wallis Simpson.

Only from Wallis' own pen can we see this other side to the tale - it seems no one really knew the real true story except perhaps three close people. Wallis didn't love Edward - or David as she and the Royal family called him. In her frank and open letters between her aunt Bessie and current husband Ernest Simpson it seems that she and Ernest played a very dangerous social climbing game. Just the same as the modern film Indecent Proposal, with Demi Moore and Robert Redford - where the man offers one million pounds for one night with Woody Harelson's wife. Things went wrong. The human heart is not to be tampered with.
It seems in order to climb the social ranks Ernest and Wallis set out to 'have fun and climb ranks', by allowing her to become one of the Prince's mistresses, of course with Ernest's blessing and understanding - as was the protocol at the time. This was normal practice in their society. Still happens today - look at Camilla and Charles. They all thought Edward would tire of Wallis, like he had every other woman. He didn't, instead he fell in love. A deep, needing and controlling love. She tried to leave, tried to end it - even writing to the British Government and Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin, to beg them not to allow him to abdicate, because she knew once he did her fate would be forever sealed.

Edward was never letting Wallis go, and she would loose all the society points if she caused a scandal. Ernest and her would be ruined the world over. She tried everything she could to remove herself from the situation, but she had realised the enormity of her fate too late. The newly crowned  King even told his family, Wallis, Ernest and his ministers - that if he lost Wallis he would slit his own throat! There was to be no escape for Wallis and Ernest. They had little choice but to comply with the Royal pressure. Ernest agreed to grant a divorce and be seen with his mistress, which was now agreeing to an illegal contract. After begging him to remain King, Wallis listened to Edward's abdication speech in tears and realized it was the lid coming down on her coffin, once he spoke those famous words :

" But you must believe me when I tell you that I have found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility and to discharge my duties as King as I would wish to do without the help and support of the woman I love". - King Edward V111.

  For two years after her marriage to Edward, Wallis wrote her feelings and love to ex husband, Ernest, whom she had realised too little too late - she really truly loved. He wrote to her imploring her to always keep a fan flaming for their love. Their cold and calculating social gamble had gone horribly wrong. They had played with fire and got their fingers irreparably burnt.

Secret Agent Man.

As a kid and still to this day I love to watch Sixties tv programmes such as Randall and Hopkirk, The Avengers, The Prisoner...........but today I the song that is stuck in my head Johnny River's 'Secret Agent Man' for the hit Sixties TV series,  'Danger Man'.

It was broadcast between 1960 and 1962 and then again from 1964 to 1968, starring Patrick Magoon as secret agent John Drake. In the United States the programme was billed as Secret Agent. Working for Washington as a N.A.T.O agent later becoming British intelligence MI9.  John Drake is sent all over the world on , what else of course, but daring secret missions.
Like James Bond, Drake had an array of gadgets only his were more believable than Bond's because they were actually on the market at the time, boosting sales and predictably there was always a woman to lay his charm on and woo.
Amazingly it seems from looking at Amazon,that all eighty six episodes can now be attained on dvd.

I know the acting can be seen as wooden, the sets and lighting bad, but I love that kitch style and oh man the fashions. I love to watch the fashions. That James Bond tight suit look with crisp white shirt and tie. The black and white filming helps give it that noir film feel that I grew up avidly watching in the school holidays. The dresses and the hair. Flawless makeup teamed with cute little off the shoulder elegant casino numbers, chic spotty classics and crisp suits all carried with a subtle air of sophistication.
If you haven't already watched them as a series....do, they're out there now just waiting to be discovered....go on, you know you want to really.