Appearing on the cover of ELLE Magazine in March 1950 Bardot was discovered by a young film director, Roger Vadim, while babysitting. He showed as issue of the Magazine to director and screenwriter Marc Allegret who offered Bardot the opportunity to audition for Les Laurier’s sont couples thereafter. Although Bardot got the role, the shooting of the film was cancelled, but it made her consider becoming an Actress. Her acquaintance with Vadim, who attended the audition, influenced her further life and career.
After appearing in sixteen films, Bardot became world famous thanks to her role in then husband’s Roger Vadim’s controversial film ‘And God Created Woman.’ Later starring in Jean-Luc Godard’s 1963 cult film, Contempt. She was nominated for a BAFTA Award for Best Foreign Actress for her role in Louis Malle’s 1965 Film, Viva Maria.
She divorced Vadim in 1957 and in 1959 married actor Jacques Charrier, with whom she starred in Babette Goes to War in 1959. The Paparazzi preyed upon her marriage, while she and her husband clashed over the direction of her Career. Her films became more substantial, bringing upon dual celebrity pressure as she sought critical acclaim while remaining a Glamour Model for most of the world.
In her early career, professional photographer Sam Levin’s photos contributed to her image of sensuality. Also British photographer Cornell Lucas made iconic images of her in the 1950s and 1960s that have become representative of her public persona.
In fashion the Bardot neckline (a wide-open neck has exposes both shoulders) was named after her ultimately making her a style icon. Another look she made popular was the beehive hairstyle.
Bardot had starred in forty-seven films, performed in numerous musical shows and recorded eight songs. She was awarded the Leion D’honneur in 1985 but refused to receive it and in 2007, she was named among Empire magazine’s 100 Sexiest Film Stars before having retired from the Entertainment industry in 1973.
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You can read more about Brigitte Bardot and other Style Icons with Fashion Industry Broadcasts STYLE ICONS Vol 3 “Bombshells” here.
