Before there was Lady Gaga, there was Gloria Swanson. The American actress, best known for her role as Norma Desmond in the 1950 film "Sunset Boulevard," was the original leader of fantasy fashion and haute couture. An unashamed lover of eye candy, she enjoyed being covered in feathers, jewels, towering headpieces and turbans and managed to look glamorous wearing it all despite her petite figure. It's no wonder she was one of the most photographed celebrities of her time (like our other favorite clotheshorse). But you would never see Swanson don a meat dress, as she was a vegetarian who even used plants for skin care.
In this photo, Swanson is wearing a more demure number for her role in the 1927 silent movie "The Love of Sunya." With a coordinated set of art deco jewelry (that also match the straps on her dress!), she looks the part of a sultry screen siren. Her bold lips, vintage hair waves, and sassy hand-on-hip pose also make her totally enviable. Will you stand out this fall with statement jewelry?
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Art by Raydene Salinas