Dorothy Dandridge

Photo Courtesy Of Gwladys Sordelet

Lately, as you know, I’ve been in a phase of watching a great deal of moving images. It’s set me thinking about iconic fashion moments in film, the ones that make you pause and think, “Damn, I want to dress like her.” There are several, but I’ve narrowed it down to three timeless looks. The order is arbitrary, though I admit my attention lingers on the last.

Before I begin, a private note to Scarlett O’Hara.

Dear Scarlett,

I hope this letter finds you well. At some point it may reach you that I’ve put together a list of favourite garments from classic films without including you. For the record, I know we go way back, and you know how much I adore a good costume drama. But darling, you simply have too much going on in "Gone with the Wind" for me to choose just one look. The brilliance of that moss green velvet curtain dress alone could sustain an entire thesis. Don’t be cross. Let’s plan a movie night soon.

Miss you.

Yours truly,

/Ellinor

The list:

I. The white halter dress worn by Marilyn Monroe in "The Seven Year Itch".

II. The black GIVENCHY cocktail dress worn by Audrey Hepburn in "Breakfast at Tiffany & Co."

III. The red skirt paired with a black top worn by Dorothy Dandridge in "Carmen Jones".

"Carmen Jones" is an adaptation of Georges Bizet’s opera, brought to the screen in 1954. It follows Carmen Jones, played by Dorothy Dandridge, a worker in a parachute factory on a military base in North Carolina. She sets her sights on Joe, an engaged soldier played by Harry Belafonte. Despite her warning, “If I love you, that’s the end of you,” he falls for her and leaves his fiancée before following her to Chicago.

What follows is a tragedy.

The film also features Pearl Bailey and Diahann Carroll, and carries a sense of effortless glamour, where elegance feels constant rather than occasional. What draws me most is Carmen’s red skirt, flamenco inspired and impossible to ignore. It feels like a signal, something bold and unmistakable.

Although they never appeared on screen together, Marilyn Monroe and Dorothy Dandridge were friends, even sharing similar middle names of Jean, Jeane. Their connection is briefly referenced in "Introducing Dorothy Dandridge," where Halle Berry portrays Dandridge. The film traces her life and career, along with its difficulties and turning points. There are echoes there that feel familiar.

And still, you look at each of these women and think, Damn, I want to be like her.