Katharine Hepburn: The Trailblazing Hollywood Star who Defied Gender Norms and Redefined Women’s Style
Introduction:
Delve into the captivating world of pop culture history with our “Remember When?” series, as we take a nostalgic journey through time to revisit the iconic fashion moments and trends that shaped the eras. In this installment, we pay tribute to an extraordinary Hollywood leading lady who boldly challenged gender norms and paved the way for women’s comfortable, powerful style – Katharine Hepburn.
Breaking Free from Conformity:
Katharine Hepburn, an iconic screen legend and groundbreaking trailblazer, often flouted societal expectations by embracing the world of men’s fashion with unwavering confidence. Her audacious style choices came at a time when women were under immense pressure to conform to traditional feminine attire, making her an influential figure in fashion history.
Standout Moments:
Some of Hepburn’s most memorable on-screen appearances include the sleek velvet smoking jacket and pants she donned in “Woman of the Year.” In another instance, she sat casually atop an armchair in Life magazine wearing a slouchy two-piece outfit, complete with wrinkled socks, scuffed Oxfords, and a carefree attitude that defied the norms of her time.
The Struggle for Self-Expression:
Despite her pioneering spirit, following her own style rules wasn’t always an easy feat for Hepburn. She was revered as one of the greatest screen legends, yet faced significant backlash and criticism for her unconventional approach to fashion. Studio staff even hid her slacks backstage, forcing her to go pantless until they were returned. The media published articles questioning the Hollywood women who chose to wear men’s clothes, with actress Constance Bennett infamously quoting, “Trousers for women are incredible, ridiculous, and absurd!”
A Nation Divided:
The American public was also hesitant to accept Hepburn’s fashion choices. During the 1930s, before the practicalities of World War II made pants more commonplace among women, her on- and offscreen choices left many critics and a significant portion of the public suspicious and even hostile. Hollywood historian William J. Mann wrote in his 2006 biography, “Kate: The Woman Who Was Hepburn,” that critics at the time were tearing apart her latest film and Broadway performance while people felt alienated by her “eccentric approach to gender, sexuality, and stardom.”
An Unforgettable Escape:
In 1934, Hepburn sought refuge from the criticism by fleeing to Paris with her friend Susan Steell. Before this pivotal trip, she dressed in old clothes, wore no makeup, and refused to be linked romantically with men. She even publicly supported Upton Sinclair, a socialist Democratic nominee in the 1934 California governor’s race, and faced accusations of holding communist beliefs. Her movies were edgy and offbeat, offering glimpses into an alternative world where unmarried women held the upper hand.
From Reviled to National Heroine:
Fascinatingly, this figure reviled for her subversive ways would be transformed into a national heroine as the years passed. Hepburn went on to win four Best Actress Oscars for “Morning Glory,” “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” “The Lion in Winter,” and “On Golden Pond.” She carefully crafted a persona that turned her into a symbol of true-blue, red-blooded Americana in order to survive and prosper.
A Fashion Pioneer:
One of her greatest allies in this quest for self-image was Gilbert Adrian, chief costume designer at MGM from 1924 to 1941. He put Hepburn in the iconic goddess gown from “The Philadelphia Story,” which has since inspired similar looks for numerous stars such as Jane Fonda, Halle Berry, and Cate Blanchett. Adrian was also the visionary who backed her personal style and preference for pants by translating it onto the silver screen, making her a trailblazer for women’s fashion.
The Lasting Impact of Katharine Hepburn:
Hepburn’s pant-led outfits have endured in fashion history, with her pairing of blue jeans or high-waisted slacks with button-down shirts becoming a quintessential “American look.” Her legacy extends far beyond the silver screen, with her influence still felt in contemporary fashion.
Revolutionary Costume Design:
The 1934 romantic drama “Christopher Strong,” which featured Hepburn’s character, aviator Lady Cynthia Darrington, in pants and having an affair with a married man, sent a powerful message that seemed to renounce the idea of marriage entirely. The film’s costume design was revolutionary, featuring not one but two examples of menswear – a testament to Hepburn’s bold and groundbreaking spirit.
Conclusion:
Katharine Hepburn, a figure once reviled for her subversive ways, has been transformed into an iconic fashion trailblazer and national heroine. Her style choices paved the way for women’s comfortable, powerful clothing and influenced the fashion industry for generations to come.
