9.10.2009

Golden Glamour :: Who Was She?



Well, I've done it again. While perusing vintage photos I came across this
remarkable image. Who is the elegant woman in this stunningly dramatic
dress? The closer I looked, the more intrigued I was. Each detail of this
portrait , so sumptuous. The satin shoes with the feathered trim... .. .
the subtle metallic sheen to the lace .. . the drama of the long (long!)
tassels .

That plunging neckline implies this was not a Park Avenue
socialite. Much too risque .
Who could she be? And, most of all, what was her story ?

Her name is Olive .

I'm doing my research and will report soon with all the
details. Stay tuned .. . .

14 comments:

Kitty Shepherd said...

I LOVE YOUR BLOG!

ceecee said...

She is fabulous! I need to have my portrait taken in that pose...Wouldn't that lift the self-esteem spirits? If you hadn't said her name was Olive I would have guessed the divine Gloria Swanson.

Miss Sleuth - Did you guess that I have been searching for chocolate because perhaps I am getting ready to leave town? Hmmmmm. Or Yummmmmm.

Catherine

The Clever Pup said...

I thought it was Gloria Swanson but could it be Olive Thomas? Je Pense que oui.

alaine@éclectique said...

I thought Gloria Swanson also. I'm most intrigued. Looks like my Auntie Olive in the 1930s.

gina said...

great photo and AMAZING FIGURE! if only....I could look like that.

Celeste Maia said...

I want a dress and shoes like hers. I was going to say a white Josephine Baker? Who is this mysterious Olive? You left me very intrigued.

studioJudith said...

Fellow sleuths .. .
NOT Gloria, but the same vintage.

I do wish I could say I had an
Auntie Olive who looked like this!

Tristan Robin said...

I believe that's Olive Thomas - "The MOst Beautiful Woman in the World" - she was a silent movie star and was a Ziegfeld girl, and married to Jack Pickford (Mary's brother).

Unknown said...

Even before reading other's comments, the first name that crossed my mind was also Gloria Swanson! Fantastic photo!

Dumbwit Tellher said...

I found your blog through Sanity Fair & glad I did; very lovely. Looking forward to hearing more about Olive. Yes indeed that is one risque dress for that era. Oh to be Olive!

The Antiques Diva™ said...

Great image! Oh my goodness - great find. Why did Madame Butterfly come to mind?
Toma

Francine Gardner said...

What a pose.....amazing woman.
Love your blog, thank you for stopping by to day.

vicki archer said...

She looks like one very cool woman....I hope you find out more Judith. I always love your mysteries, xv.

Di Overton said...

Hope you are feeling better after your sad loss.
Hugs
Di
xo