Vocalist of The Calibre Cats Swing Band, Bridget ‘Dollface’ Burnell shares the five, classic movie maidens who have inspired her own on-stage style.
“The women I am inspired by for my costuming, hair, make-up, performance (and general style & class) while performing with The Calibre Cats!”
Marilyn Monroe
As THE classic, sex symbol, her song ‘Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend’ is the epitome of all things girly; and when it comes to glamour and sensuality, she’s still the first blonde bombshell that always comes to mind. She was known for her nude photoshoots, frivolous comedies and the breathiest rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ ever. She fought Hollywood moguls for her rights and she had no qualms using her sexuality to do it. You get ‘em girl ;)
Veronica Lake
A blonde whose trademark hairstyle was the envy of girls and women everywhere, (why is it that I can never get mine to look as good as that? Sigh) Veronica Lake was, for a time, one of the most popular and sought-after actresses in motion pictures. She also motivated a generation of women to imitate her cool sexuality and chic style, at the same time causing an equal number of men (particularly WWII soldiers) to fall for her. A glamorous pin-up alongside the like of Betty Grable and Rita Hayworth. Decades after her death, Veronica's particular smoky appeal lingered as one of Hollywood's most enduring and recognisable symbols of sexiness and class.
Vivien Leigh
Vivien earned international popularity and an Academy Award for her unforgettable portrayal of Scarlett O'Hara in David O. Selznick's production of ‘Gone With The Wind’. She once announced to classmate that she "was going to be famous". She was right, though her fame would eventually come under a glamorous stage name. For much of her adult life she suffered from bipolar disorder, and other mental illnesses.
Jane Russell
Howard Hughes (in addition to designing airplanes) is said to have designed a ‘cantilever bra’ to take care of Miss Russell's physical endowments. Well, who doesn’t have issues with one or two things they wouldn’t mind fixing? Jane was even turned away from a contract with Paramount because she was ‘too tall’ and 20th Century-Fox decided she was ‘too unphotogenic’ before she was discovered by Hughes. Her family was well-to-do and although Jane was the only girl among four brothers, her mother saw to it that she took piano lessons. In addition to music, Jane was interested in drama, much as her mother had been, and participated in high school stage productions. Although she had originally planned on being a designer, her father died and she had to go to work to help the family. Jane modelled on the side and was very much sought-after especially because of her figure. Take that Paramount!
Jessica Rabbit
Jessica is a tall, beautiful, and voluptuous woman. She has a curvy and slender hourglass figure with a narrow waist, buxom bosom and broad hips. She has fair skin and long, luxurious deep-red hair with sidebangs that cover her right eye. Her light-green eyes are heavy-lidded and seductive with long, dark lashes and accented by a shimmering, purple eye shadow. Yes, yes, okay — I know she’s not a REAL WOMAN, but WOW, Jessica Rabbit is ALL WOMAN! A very unbelievable out-of-proportion woman to say the least, but if I could look like that, I would certainly take advantage of it! Jessica is an animated woman that truly captures the look and essence of the classic Hollywood movie maidens.
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The Calibre Cats Swing Band play Thrilling Thursdays at the Brisbane Jazz Club on Thursday 23rd October.
The Calibre Cats
