When asked to define the essence of Hollywood glamour, the multi-talented director Edmund Goulding replied:
“It’s the magnetism that changes the current of every movie fan’s life and persuades a girl that she must have a dress like the one Joan Crawford wore in her last picture. It’s the mesmerism that induces a boy to spend his last penny on a dress suit so that he can take his best girl out in the same style in which Clark Gable escorted Myrna Loy.”
Perfect.
As a child growing up in Brooklyn, my maternal grandmother, Genia Keiler, referred to “fancy head shmattes,” or as we know it: The Turban.
We don’t see many turbans anymore, except on the heads of murderous jihadis.
But there was a time in Hollywood when the simple turban was transformed into an object of high glamour.
Silent star Mae Bush looks positively regal in her turban.
Esther Ralston gives the turban a sporty look in “The American Venus.” (1926)
In “Algiers,” (1938) Hedy Lamarr's breakthrough movie, the turban defines her stunning beauty by covering her hair and framing the perfect architecture of her face.
In “Garden of Allah,” (1936) outfitted in jodhpurs and riding shoes, Marlene Dietrich's desert head gear gives her the look of an urban huntress.
A martini, mink, cigarette, poodle and designer turban all add up to a perfectly unPC and glamorous Elizabeth Taylor.
The turban as a St. Tropez shmatte for Brigitte Bardot.
Our favorite look. Lana Turner in “The Postman Always Rings Twice,” (1946) where the deathly black turban and dress are accesorized with an automatic.
Karen and I wish all our friends and relatives a meaningful and fashion forward Shabbat.
Ariel Chaim Avrech, ZT'L, May His Righteous Memory be a Blessing.
12 Comments
I sometimes wear turbans–I was inspired by old Hollywood, not bad hair (my hair is a bob, so there aren’t many bad hair days). A woman must be wearing makeup, and be polished in every other aspect of her appearance, if she is to look anything but frumpy in them. And, they definitely turn heads, so she needs to be prepared for people looking at her, which is a bit of a challenge for me because I am shy–but I am on a mission to bring back both the turban and white gloves. As you can see when you look around you, it’s just taken off like wildfire.
Like or Dislike:
1 
0
Shyla:
The turban look is definitely a challenge for mortal women who do not have perfect cheekbones and studio make-up artists.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Elizabeth Taylor is for sure unPC in that pic. Isn’t that a mink coat she’s wearing? She looks like she’s having a fun afternoon!
Too bad turbans are out of style, they can be very flattering.
Like or Dislike:
1 
0
Franny:
Mink, you bet. Elizabeth loved her minks, chinchillas and diamonds. She was the complete star and politically incorrect to the nth degree, G-d bless her.
I’m hoping that after Karen reads this post she’ll start wearing a turban. She’s got a perfect face for the look.
Like or Dislike:
1 
0
If Karen starts wearing turbans, will you buy her a mink?
Like or Dislike:
1 
0
Franny:
Sure, I’d buy Karen a mink if she asked, but she’s never shown the slightest inclination towards fur.
Like or Dislike:
1 
0
If I see a woman wearing a turban today I would assume she is having a bad hair day and didn’t want to bother. Making a fashion statement is probably the last thing on their mind.
I heard Roger Stone on the radio yesterday talk about his best and worst dressed list. He made the obvious statement that Americans care less about dressing properly today than we did before the 1960s. The death of turbans are just more evidence.
Like or Dislike:
1 
0
Johnny:
My neighborhood here in LA is home to a large Orthodox Jewish population. Women who are married cover their hair when out in public. Hence, I observe many types of head coverings, including the turban.
The idea for this post was born during my morning walk. For the past few weeks I share the sidewalk for a few moments with a young religious woman. She wears a skirt that goes down to her ankles and of course a jacket. She whips past me because she’s jogging and pushing a double stroller with twin babies. She always wears colorful turbans and looks seriously chic.
But I can understand why you assume a bad hair day.
I don’t understand sloppiness. Clothing covers 95% of our body and what we wear SCREAMS our identity.
And this I guarantee: a well dressed person is treated with far more respect than an indifferently clad slop, man or woman.
Have a great weekend, my friend.
Like or Dislike:
2 
0
When I had my business – we used to mail post cards – 1000s a day. I noticed when I had a tie on – no ID – I had the run of the post office internal area – where mail was – mailed.
Nobody questioned me when I had a tie on.
Curious Robert, in your industry are ties still worn? I get the feeling that even mega producers wear open shirts and jeans – but that is just my stereotype.
BTW on comparing notes with the Garner Files I will be curious on your take of Garner’s description of the industry.
I think he is spot on.
Like or Dislike:
1 
0
Bill:
Agents and studio execs wear ties. For the more creative types ties are pretty much absent.
Like or Dislike:
1 
0
I’m curious, Robert. In your early morning routine have you had another opportunity to spy the couple kissing under the streetlight? Your commentary painted a very vivid picture in my mind
Like or Dislike:
1 
0
Prophet Joe:
My noir couple have never reappeared. But various other characters have shown up. I’ll write about them in the future as I get a beat on them.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0