Today’s post wraps up the iconic women collaboration with Lizzie Harrell Photography. Our final post features the extraordinary British-American actress, businesswoman, and and humanitarian, Elizabeth Taylor. We had so much fun re-creating these images of iconic women who have inspired us with their talent, fashion influence, and contributions to society. Hope you enjoyed the series as much as we did!
“I feel very adventurous. There are so many doors to be opened, and I’m not afraid to look behind them.” – Elizabeth Taylor
One of the most popular stars of the 1950s, Elizabeth Taylor, is considered by some as the last major star in classic Hollywood cinema.
In 1932, Elizabeth was born in London where her American parents were residing. At the age of 3 she began dancing, and performed a recital for Princess Elizabeth and Margaret as a young child. When WWII broke out, her family relocated to Los Angeles, CA. Her breakout role in cinema came at the tender age of 12 in the film National Velvet (1944).
Elizabeth would continue to captive audiences for decades, both on and off screen. She was admired for her striking looks and unique violet eyes. And with eight marriages in her lifetime, her love life was constantly in the public eye. But her work made her a true star. With the capacity to deliver compelling performances in emotionally demanding roles, she’s best known for her titular role in Cleopatra (1963), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958), and her Oscar-winning performance in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1965). In her later years, Elizabeth continued to work on stage and in television, even making a guest appearance on General Hospital.
She was one of the first celebrities to endorse a fragrance, a profitable business venture that would continue to support her lifestyle into her later years. William J. Mann, author of How to Be a Movie Star: Elizabeth Taylor in Hollywood, said of Taylor: “People think about her as a glamorous movie star. She was actually a very smart business woman.”
After the death of her close friend, Rock Hudson, to HIV/AIDS, Elizabeth worked towards finding a cure. She courageously ignored the stigma associated with the disease and established the Elizabeth Taylor HIV/AIDS Foundation in 1991, to offer support for the sick and fund treatment research.
In 2011, Elizabeth Taylor passed away from congestive heart failure, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, business savvy, artistic talent, and courage.
The iconic photograph we recreated of Elizabeth Taylor was photographed by Mark Shaw in 1956 for the October cover of LIFE Magazine. At the time, she was starring in the academy award winning film, Giant, along Rock Hudson and James Dean. We are obsessed with the romantic ruffles Elizabeth is wearing and her powerful femininity captured in this image.
