Meet Brigitte Bardot: actress, singer, model, and the original “messy French girl.” Known for her portraying “sexually liberated” characters living openly hedonistic lifestyles, Bardot is widely considered one of the best-known sex symbols of the late 1950s and 60s. Born on September 28th, 1934, in the 15th arrondissement of Paris to parents Louis Bardot and Anne-Marie Mucel, Brigitte Bardot expressed an interest in the entertainment world early in life. She spent her early years studying classical ballet and earned a place at the prestigious Conservatoire de Paris, a college of music and dance founded by and for Paris’ elite. Bardot trained there for three years before being discovered by Hélène Gordon-Lazareff, the then-director of the magazines Elle and Jardin des Modes. 

In 1950, at age 15, Bardot made her first appearance on the cover of Elle magazine, with a second cover feature following in 1952. This second appearance landed Bardot her first role in the movie Crazy for Love starring Bourvil and directed by Jean Boyer. Bardot’s break-out role was in the 1956 musical Naughty Girl by director Michel Boisrond. The film (and her performance) was received positively, earning the honor of being the 12th most popular film of the year in France. Movie role after movie role followed, shooting the young actress into sudden stardom. With her film And God Created Woman and numerous photoshoots with professional photographer Sam Lévin, Bardot began being recognized internationally as a “sex kitten.” Her flirty, feminine style and messy blonde locks also became associated with the iconic styles of New Wave Cinema. 

Bardot’s legacy didn’t stop at fashion: her bold and beautiful makeup looks also established her as the ultimate “messy French girl” of the 1960s. On and off the silver screen, Bardot could be spotted wearing warm-toned matte lipstick (with a highlighted cupid’s bow), peach-colored blush on her temples and the apples of her cheeks, smoky eyeliner, and voluminous mascara for doe-like eyes. Her hair, often worn in an effortless half-up-half-down style, was somehow still styled to perfection. “Fashion may not be a weapon of the woman, but at least it gives her the ammunition,” Bardot said when asked about her status as a French fashionista. Even after her departure from the entertainment industry in the 1970s, Bardot has continued to set the standard for French fashion.

Here’s to carving your own way through success (and looking oh-so-chic while you do it!)

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