Greta Garbo, born Greta Lovisa Gustafsson, was a Swedish-born actress who became one of Hollywood’s biggest stars during the Golden Age of Hollywood. She was known for her iconic fashion choices, which evolved throughout her career and had a significant impact on the fashion of the era. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at Garbo’s fashion choices, how they developed over time, and her favorite clothes and styles.
Early Career and Fashion Choices
Garbo began her career as a teenager in Stockholm, working as a sales clerk in a department store before landing her first acting role in a Swedish film in 1922. In her early films, Garbo’s fashion choices reflected the trends of the time, with simple, feminine dresses and skirts. However, as her career began to take off, Garbo’s fashion choices began to evolve.
Garbo’s move to Hollywood in 1925 marked a turning point in her fashion choices. She began to wear more sophisticated and elegant clothing, reflecting her newfound status as a Hollywood star. Garbo’s iconic style during this time was the “garconne” look, which was characterized by short hair, flat-chested silhouettes, and tailored suits. Garbo’s most famous garconne look was in the 1930 film “Anna Christie,” where she wore a white sailor suit with a black beret.
Personal Life and Fashion Choices
Garbo was notoriously private about her personal life, and her fashion choices reflected this. She was often seen in public wearing simple, understated clothing, such as a white shirt and black slacks. However, Garbo did have a few favorite pieces that she wore often, including a long black coat and a simple, elegant dress that she wore to her 1941 retirement party.
Garbo was also known for her love of accessories, particularly hats. She was often seen wearing a variety of different hats, from simple berets to more elaborate designs. Garbo’s favorite hat was a black felt fedora with a wide brim, which she often wore tilted to the side.
Movie Roles and Fashion Choices
Garbo’s fashion choices were also influenced by the movie roles she played. In the 1931 film “Mata Hari,” Garbo played the seductive spy Mata Hari and wore a series of daring and provocative outfits, including a sheer black gown with strategically placed beading. In the 1932 film “Grand Hotel,” Garbo played a glamorous and sophisticated Russian ballerina, wearing a series of elegant gowns and furs.
In the 1939 film “Ninotchka,” Garbo played a Soviet envoy who falls in love with a Parisian playboy. Her fashion choices in the film reflected her character’s transformation from a strict Soviet bureaucrat to a stylish and sophisticated woman, with her wardrobe evolving from plain and severe suits to elegant dresses and furs.
Legacy and Impact on Fashion
Garbo’s fashion choices had a significant impact on the fashion of the era, with her iconic garconne look inspiring women’s fashion for years to come. Her sophisticated and elegant style also influenced designers of the time, including Coco Chanel and Jean Patou.
In conclusion, Greta Garbo’s fashion choices evolved throughout her career, reflecting the changing trends of the time and her own personal style. From her iconic garconne look to her love of simple, understated clothing, Garbo’s fashion choices continue to inspire and influence fashion today.