Red Carpet Photos Show Vintage Glamour At Its Finest
From awards shows to movie premieres, the red carpet has always been synonymous with the glitz and glamour of showbiz. It’s a space for the world’s most famous people to wear their most stylish outfits and flash a smile for the throngs of assembled photographers.
The core concept of the red carpet hasn’t changed much over the decades, but the people walking the red carpet — and the styles they’ve presented — have, of course, changed with the times. Let’s explore some of the best looks from red carpet events of the past.
Frank and Nancy Sinatra, 1955
Crooner-turned-actor Frank Sinatra is seen here with his daughter Nancy, as both attend the premiere of his 1955 film Not As A Stranger.
The elder Sinatra was at the peak of his popularity when this picture was taken — a core member of the Rat Pack and a winner of not just multiple Grammys, but also an Academy Award. Nancy Sinatra would carve out a name for herself with various hits in the years to come.
Audrey Hepburn, 1954
Audrey Hepburn is a singular fashion icon, someone who made waves with a short, dark pixie haircut in an era where the blonde bombshell look otherwise reigned supreme.
Hepburn’s natural grace and poise contributed to her elegant, understated charm. A long partnership with fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy provided her with many of the minimalistic styles she wore over the years.
The Beatles, 1965
“Invasion” is a serious word, but it certainly seemed apt as a descriptor of the hysteria that swept the United States after the Beatles (and several other bands) emerged from the British music scene.
The Beatles are shown here at the premiere of their film Help!, sporting what might be seen as their classic early look — shaggy mop tops and crisp suits. Later in the decade, their image would shift dramatically.
Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, 1967
One of Hollywood’s 1960s power couples, Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward were married for over 50 years until his death in 2008.
Newman was known for his famously piercing blue eyes, along with a charismatic and down-to-earth persona. Both Newman and Woodward were passionately committed to social causes.
Marilyn Monroe, 1955
The quintessential icon of midcentury Hollywood glamour and sex appeal, Marilyn Monroe is seen here after what looks like a long night on the red carpet.
Monroe’s style embraced a seductive aesthetic, with form-fitting dresses, plunging necklines, and her trademark platinum blonde hair. It’s an image that’s stood the test of time, with figures such as Madonna co-opting the style.
Maureen O’Hara, Fidel Castro and Alec Guinness, 1959
This photo shows an uncoventional trio, as actors Maureen O’Hara and Alec Guinness can be seen flanking Cuban revolutionary figure Fidel Castro during the filming of Our Man in Havana.
At the time, Cuba was in the midst of the revolution that would see Castro seize power. While he would become an antagonist to the United States in short order, diplomatic relations were still relatively friendly at this time.
Sophia Loren, 1965
Italian actress Sophia Loren is dressed to kill for the New York premiere of Dr. Zhivago, which was produced by her husband Carlo Ponti.
Loren would go on to become one of the 20th century’s most significant style icons, with an image that conveyed Italian luxury. Loren’s sophisticated, European elegance formed a sharp counterpoint to American stars like Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield.
Ava Gardner, 1954
Ava Gardner is dressed in a fairytale ensemble for the premiere of her 1954 film The Barefoot Contessa, which is described as a Traina Norelo pink dawn sequined sheath gown.
Gardner portrayed a sultry image on screen for her hits of the ’40s and ’50s, and her acting ability lent credibility to her strong-willed and independent characters. Off-screen, she engaged in high-profile romances with stars like Mickey Rooney and Frank Sinatra.
Natalie Wood, 1970
Natalie Wood had a decade in Hollywood that spanned three decades and would have gone longer if not for her tragic death in 1981. Wood earned several award nominations throughout her career in the drama and musical genres.
Wood had a preference for elegant, flowing gowns in line with her Hollywood prime in the 1950s and ’60s. By 1970, when this photo was taken, Wood had adopted a slightly more casual style.
Mae West, 1970
Mae West was a leading figure in the early days of Hollywood — and with her sultry presence and blonde locks, could be seen as a precursor to stars like Marilyn Monroe.
At the time this photo was taken, West was in her late 70s but still exuded confidence and charisma. West’s platinum locks, red lipstick, and standout dresses all became iconic.
Richard and Karen Carpenter, 1970
The Carpenters, consisting of brother and sister duo Richard and Karen, had a string of easy listening hits in the 1970s, with Richard composing the songs and Karen singing them.
The siblings are shown here in outfits typical of the era: A relaxed suit for Richard and a feminine, ruffled dress for Karen.
Julie Newmar, 1957
Best known for playing Catwoman in the 1960s Batman TV series, Julie Newmar is shown here earlier in her career for the premiere of her film Band of Angels.
Newmar is remembered for her form-fitting black catsuit in Batman, but off-screen was known for embracing bold outfits that often featured plunging necklines and flattering silhouettes.
Ann Byrne and Dustin Hoffman, 1968
While their marriage wouldn’t last particularly long, Ann Byrne and Dustin Hoffman are all smiles at this 1968 party celebrating Hoffman’s role in the Broadway production of Jimmy Shine.
It’s safe to say that both are dressed down here, relatively speaking — Hoffman is wearing a simple suit, as he has throughout his career, while Byrne is in a straightforward sleeveless number.
Elizabeth Taylor, 1951
British-American actress Elizabeth Taylor combined impressive dramatic acting chops with stunning beauty, making her one of the biggest stars of the 1950s and ’60s.
Taylor embraced a luxurious aesthetic throughout most of her life, with extravagant jewelry and dramatic gowns. Despite this, she’s seen in somewhat subdued attire for the premiere of her film The Lady with the Lamp in 1951.
Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, 1960
Curtis and Leigh were two of Hollywood’s biggest stars of the ’50s and ’60s, and were married to each other for more than a decade. They’re seen here in a candid photo from a Milton Berle show at a comedy club.
Both were renowned for their good looks, and both made an effort to always look stylish. Curtis favored sharp suits with narrow lapels, similar to Frank Sinatra, while Leigh had a preference for timeless, feminine dresses.
