Mae West (1893-1980) was ahead of her time. Way ahead of her time. She’s probably remembered primarily as a zaftig sex symbol, but she was so much more than that. She was a playwright, screenwriter, actress, and producer who consistently broke boundaries in her frank treatment of sexual and social themes. Far from being an ingenue playing a role scripted for her by Hollywood, Mae West was a self-created artist and businesswoman who controlled her own persona. In the 1920s she was a sensation on Broadway, starring in her own self-written plays (which once landed her in jail for “public obscenity”). Then she moved to Hollywood, where she created star vehicles featuring her own screenplays (again running afoul of the censors). Off-screen, too, she was an independent woman who refused to be tied down into domesticity—or to apologize in any way for her liberated lifestyle.
Mae’s look was a distinctive mash-up of styles evocative of the Gay Nineties (that’s the 1890s): hourglass dress, picture hat, feathers. Plus 1920s bleached blonde hair set in Marcel waves. The pieces we suggest:
1. Black sequin off-shoulder gown with short sleeves. This dress is perfect for recreating Mae’s style. A sturdy foundation garment will help you create that smooth hourglass look.
2. Burgundy organza picture hat with feathers. You’ll want to wear this cocked back on your head a bit to frame your face.
Alternate choice: if you don’t feel like dealing with feathers, an organza boa in the same shade could look nice:
4. Blonde 1920s wig. Mae West wore her hair in Marcel waves, which were deep crimped waves set by a curling iron. There was no softness to her waves, so if you’re using a wig or setting your own hair, don’t fluff it out.
5. Rhinestone necklace and earring set. Diamond Lil!
6. Rhinestone bracelets. The more the merrier!
