Friday, August 20, 2010

On Maria Callas and Accessories (No. 2)

There are several pictures of La Divina online. Sifting through them, what I find most fascinating (apart from the fantastic outfits and extraordinarily detailed opera costumes) is the woman herself. She was a chameleon, and no two pictures of her are alike. You know how, when you watch America's Next Top Model and some of them are told (and not in a complimentary manner!) that they only have "one look?" Well, Callas is the total opposite. Her "life force" is so powerful, it permeates each photo with an anima that renders even two photos taken at a single photo shoot unique in their own way. The way she tilts her head, or raises her eyebrow an infinitesimal millimeter higher, makes her a worthy subject for us ladies when studying the art of possessing an "interesting face," which to me, is a more beautiful compliment than merely saying "She's pretty."

But I digress. On to the next photo! Please share your thoughts by commenting, and tell us what YOU liked (or didn't) about the picture.


Isn't this a classy look for an evening affair... say, the prom? :) The opera-length black gloves are a throw-back to the glamorous 1950's (think Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, etc.).

The breakdown: Two solid colors. Again, we have a navy blue shawl draped dramatically against a fit gown that beautifully shows Callas' hour glass figure to advantage (and yet, not overly tight such that she can't breathe).

The face: Impeccably groomed eyebrows, well-defined eyes and a pop of bright red lipstick.

The accessories: The aforementioned blue shawl and diamond drop earrings, and a diamond bracelet over the black gloves.

But more than the dignified clothes, again, what makes this photo breathtaking is the woman herself. Observe her posture! If she were stooped or fixed her gaze on the floor, this would have been an ordinary picture.

Our style lesson for the day: There is no substitute for self-confidence and good posture!

3 comments:

  1. Elegant-sexy! The trick to wearing form fitting clothes without being overly tight that you cant breathe is to use stretch fabric...and always always in matte dark colors......fitted shiny fabrics can easily show figure flaws since they reflect light....

    And oh, when wearing a dress in a basic cut and color, compensate with statement makeup and dramatic jewelry.

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  2. i like her red lipstick! it adds the oomph to her solid black and blue ensemble. i also like the gloves, they complete that look. but i guess they won't be very practical here in the phils if it's hot.

    Maria callas really looks elegant! i agree--it's also in the way she carries herself. ;-)

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  3. It will look good here. If it is a theme party of sorts. Popular events such as the Best-dressed ball have certain themes. But it wont work for general dressing where in the invitation just simply says Strictly Formal. It will work for Black Tie or White Tie--something only used used often for grand weddings, but then, you cant usually wear black to a wedding. I like it too--when I wear all black, I usually wear matte red lipstick.

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