The Golden Age of Hollywood

Oh, to be a silver screen star in the Golden Age of Hollywood!

 

With a 1920s-1940s evening coming up in Dundee, I’ve been thinking again about old Hollywood glamour. Despite the Great Depression and austerity during and following the two world wars, the red carpets of the 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s were the height of glitz and glamour; a major contrast to the everyday lives around them, the stars of old school Hollywood are often the subject of my daydreams, for the very same reason they were so popular at the time – escapism.

Today, where beautiful people are everywhere thanks to illusion make-up techniques, Botox, and real hair extensions, the ‘A-list’ is less of a fantasy and more a realistic career path. For me, there are few who compare to the likes of Louise Brooks, Joan Crawford or Rita Hayworth, whose beauty and appeal were mesmerising (in part because they were good looking, but mostly because of their charm and charisma, that special ‘something’). I suppose that’s why I hold the Golden Age in such high regard, because classic Hollywood really was something special. And there’s nothing quite like watching any of the silver screen sirens give Cary Grant the run-around on a rainy Sunday afternoon…

I’m Wearing: dress, Debut at Debenhams; shoes, Faith (similar here); bag, Accessorize (similar here); ring and bracelet, Tru Diamonds.

Beauty Note: 1930s beauty was about soft eyes and brows complemented by a bold lip, with soft curls. For the face, I used Clinique liquid foundation with Revlon Colourstay concealer and Benefit High Beam on the cheekbones, contoured lightly with Benefit Hoola. A touch of Urban Decay Afterglow Blush added colour to the cheeks. Brows were highlighted with Benefit High Brow and defined with Benefit Brow Zings. For the eyes, I chose Art Deco shimmer eyeshadow with Clinique Extreme Volume mascara and on the lips was Art Deco mineral lip liner in no.12, all over the lip. Hair was tonged and set with hairspray as pin curls, before being taken out and softened with fingers.

Images: Kris Miller

Location: The McManus, Dundee. 

PS. Don’t forget the 1920s-1940s event tomorrow night at McManus!