“Lady Day is unquestionably the most important influence on American popular singing in the last twenty years,” said Frank Sinatra back in 1958, and he was right. Billie Holiday (1915-1959) changed the way music was sung, and everybody who has come along since is in her debt.
Billie’s life was difficult, but her style was unfailingly glamorous: evening gowns (often of white satin), opera-length gloves, a gardenia in her hair, and fabulous jewelry. Her career spanned the 1930s, 40s, and 50s, so you can pick the era you like for your costume. We’re opting here for her 1950s look, with an elegant strapless gown. The pieces we suggest:
1. White satin gown. The style of this dress is very reminiscent of the gowns Miss Holiday was wearing in the late 50s, including the lovely bodice sash that extends into a quasi-train.
2. Silk gardenia hair clip. Lady Day’s trademark gardenia is a must for your hair. You can usually find these on Etsy or in a store that sells a wide range of silk flowers (especially if they have a wedding section).
3. Long satin fingerless gloves. Billie Holiday was almost as famous for her gloves as for her gardenias. She liked elbow-length fingerless gloves, chosen in a shade to match her outfit.
4. Rhinestone necklace and earring set.
