I learned of the recent passing of model, singer, and actress, Lauren Bacall on the way into work last week, and knew I had to pay homage to her incredible life and body of work. Lauren was one of the 16 iconic names immortalized in Madonna’s ode to classic Hollywood, “Vogue,” and the last of those artists to pass on.The Bronx-born Betty Joan Perske began modeling in her teens, and made her Broadway debut at the age of seventeen. She landed the March 1943 cover of Harper’s Bazaar, which caught the eye of the wife of the American film director, Howard Hawks. At his wife’s urging, Betty Joan was given the opportunity to screen test for To Have and Have Not, starring Humphrey Bogart. Hawks quickly signed her to a seven year contract, and convinced her to adopt her mother’s maiden name and change her first name to Lauren.
During the filming of To Have and Have Not, the newly-named Lauren Bacall fell in love with Humphrey Bogart. Despite the initial scandal (Bogart was married to Mayo Methot at the time), the pair became one of Hollywood’s most enduring love stories. They married in 1945, and remained together until his death in 1957.
In addition to her many leading men, Lauren also starred alongside some of Hollywood’s most iconic starlets – like Marilyn Monroe and Betty Grable in How to Marry a Millionaire. She never forgot her Broadway roots, and maintained a visible stage presence in addition to a film career that spanned seven decades with grace, style, and beauty.
I’ve chosen a few classic SJ items I feel might have done justice to her amazing style.
In honor of Lauren – and the golden days of Hollywood – we dedicate this week’s throwback to the everlasting memory and captivating presence of Ms. Lauren Bacall.
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