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Brigitte Bardot: A Timeless Icon

Born in Paris on September 28, 1934, Brigitte Bardot has long been an icon and a powerful figure who has inspired generations of artists. She transformed the realms of fashion and beauty, establishing herself as a symbol of freedom and becoming a cornerstone of French culture.

Fashion Icon and Influencer

An enduring fashion icon, Bardot's unique style continues to inspire. After World War II, she embodied freedom in fashion, famously requesting everyday ballet shoes, leading to the creation of the "Cendrillon" model by Repetto Paris. She popularized the gingham print with her pink wedding dress in 1959 and earned the nickname "Bikini Girl" for making the bikini a staple among French women.

In the 1960s, she introduced the "Bardot collar," a daring neckline that gained acceptance over time. Long before Jean-Paul Gaultier popularized the sailor-striped shirt, Bardot showcased it in films, turning it into a timeless item. Her boldness extended to thigh-high Roger Vivier waders in the 1967 "Harley Davidson" music video, and she embraced androgynous styles, defying gender norms.

Throughout the 1970s, Bardot adopted a "bohochic" aesthetic, favoring crochet dresses and floral prints. Her influence on fashion remains strong, inspiring designers today.

At the peak of her career, Bardot filmed her 46th movie, which featured a goat as an extra. When the production planned to make the goat a meal, she intervened, marking her transition from cinema to animal protection.

Bardot became a prominent animal rights advocate, notably partnering with Marguerite Yourcenar in 1977 to protest the slaughter of baby seals. In 1986, she founded the Brigitte Bardot Foundation in Saint-Tropez, which now cares for over 10,000 animals across four shelters worldwide.

Independent and Unconventional

While her activism reflects a strong feminist spirit, it is more instinctual than intentional. Bardot has always asserted her independence, famously refusing to conform to traditional expectations. In 1957, instead of attending the Cannes Film Festival, she hosted her own "BB Party" in Nice, favoring casual attire.

Bardot made a bold statement at a 1967 dinner by wearing a military uniform and declined a role in a James Bond film, asserting, "I think James Bond films are excellent, but without me. Unless they let me play Bond." Throughout her life, she has remained unapologetically outspoken.

A Photogenic Icon

Bardot is one of the most photographed women globally, whether in candid shots or intimate moments captured by friends. As one observer noted, "Just press the button, and she radiates on film."

To celebrate her beauty, artists are inspired to create. French artist JP. Simon has launched a collection of unique Pop Art pieces featuring Bardot's iconic smoky gaze. Meanwhile, the Swedish brand Desenio offers a selection of four elegant black-and-white prints paying tribute to the actress.

Recent Fashion Success

Since January 2023, Bardot's ready-to-wear designs have gained popularity among journalists and TV personalities, appearing in over thirty press features this year. Early indications for the Autumn-Winter 2024 season suggest renewed editorial interest. The Brigitte Bardot Clothing Collection, launched two years ago after she sold the rights to her name, is now available at around 450 retail locations worldwide, nearly half outside France, including Japan.

Initially met with skepticism, the brand is now treated as a full-line collection, appealing to customers beyond just T-shirts. The Brigitte Bardot brand successfully captures the actress's timeless elegance and continues to resonate with fashion enthusiasts globally.

90th Birthday Celebration

On her 90th birthday in 2024, Bardot is celebrated in St-Tropez with the "St-Tropez Couleur Bleu" festival, featuring iconic visuals from the 60s displayed on the red lighthouse. The Pieters Foundation showcases never-before-seen photographs from Jicky Dussart, a renowned Paris Match photographer and Bardot's longtime friend. The celebration also includes a double vinyl album of Bardot's legendary discography, featuring 27 tracks selected by Bardot herself, such as "Sidonie," "La Madrague," "Harley Davidson," and "Moi je joue."

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