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16th February 2012
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#1 | |
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Administrator
Join Date: July 2005
Posts: 1,784
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Justine à la Brigitte Bardot
Is Brigitte Bardot trending in the plus-size fashion world? One would hardly think it likely, given the fact that in the film world of the 1950s--an era dominated by full-figured goddesses such as Kim Novak--Bardot was on the smaller side. Nevertheless, the nymphet of And God Created Woman has more in common with the voluptuous vixens of her day than she does with the androgynous actresses who dominate modern cinema. In his review of the aforementioned film, the movie which established Brigitte as a veritable cultural force, the renowned critic Bosley Crowther--usually a paragon of respectability--was clearly overcome by the attractions of the blonde beauty: Quote:
 Among plus-size models, one could readily have seen Andrea Horblitt channelling Brigitte Bardot, but in her new test with Québec photographer Dugraffe, Justine Legault consciously and vividly evokes the kittenish '50s ingénue, while still maintaining her own distinct character, which is something of a nobler, more aristocratic bearing.  Justine's luxurious golden tresses cascade in thick, heavy curls in a bountiful, voluptuous manner that one associates with Brigitte and other '50s blonde goddesses. Her wide-open blue eyes convey the sense of innocence which softens, and therefore adds irresistible allure, to the famous Bardot sensuality. A second image from this test finds Justine in a very retro and utterly magnificent beehive hairdo, closely evoking the style that appears in the current cover image of Brigitte's IMDb page.  Where one sees more of Justine than Brigitte in the image is in the introspection of the model's gaze, a quality of inward thoughtfulness that is not commonly associated with the onscreen Bardot persona, which is more raw and animalistic and wild. A third image, currently available only at a reduced size, is particularly powerful. Here one sees the undisguised vanity of Mlle Legault, the haughty allure of the model who is born beautiful and knows it. The thick luxuriance of her golden hair is a wonder to behold. One dreams of plunging one's hands into these abundant tresses, even as the proud nobility of Justine's demeanour communicates a tantalizing sense of, "Look, but don't touch."  For those interested in further material upon which to base a comparison of Justine and her inspiration, here is a well-edited highlights clip from And God Created Woman. It offers a taste of the lovely "scenery" to which Crowther refers. However, be sure to view it with the sound turned off, as the music--which has nothing to do with the film--is quite incongruous with the visuals. Also, this video presents the complete final Mambo scene from the movie, a dance sequence which enjoys an almost legendary reputation among cineastes. Last edited by HSG : 18th February 2012 at 18:58. |
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26th February 2012
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#2 |
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Senior Member
Join Date: August 2005
Posts: 352
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Re: Justine à la Brigitte Bardot
Justine has always been among the most gorgeous of plus-size models. She has an aristocratic bearing that sets her apart from every other goddess. Even when she flaunts her sensuality, she does so in a way that's very chic. In these images she's incredibly alluring, but remains classy.
The Brigitte Bardot influence on these images is pronounced. It's a stellar example of how a model can reference a screen icon yet subtly update the look. Brigitte herself certainly was a significant element in the appeal of the film And God Created Woman, but the location cannot be discounted. The French Riviera, the fabled Côte d'Azur (where St. Tropez is situated), is paradise on earth - truly one of the most beautiful locales in the world - and the film effectively captures the beauty of the environment. The movie is, in every way, a feast for the senses. And it even has a plus-size-fashion connection. Barbara Brickner's legendary calendar for Elena Mirò was shot on the French Riviera:  Pretty as Brigitte was, she cannot compare to goddesses like Barbara and Justine. With their opulent figures, they evoke the lush beauty of the French Riviera in a way that less richly endowed actresses cannot. Here's the gallery preserving the images of the Elena Mirò calendar: http://www.judgmentofparis.com/Barbara5.htm |
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29th March 2012
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#3 |
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Administrator
Join Date: July 2005
Posts: 1,784
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Re: Justine à la Brigitte Bardot
For those who enjoyed the previous images, here is an even more striking look at Justine in her Bardot-inspired beehive hairdo, a colour version of the previous photograph.  Though the hairstyle originated in the '60s, the way in which Justine wears it gives it a classical pedigree. The golden hue of the model's tresses, as well as her own gilded skin tone in this evocative photograph, give her a somewhat remote quality, almost like a statue come to life. As such, the image can easily be imagined as a depiction of the Greek goddess Aphrodite, or of a preternatural beauty such as Helen of Troy. (Consider this image of Elizabeth Taylor as Helen, exhibiting a gilded complexion.) The ever-so-slightly distressed look of the 'do, however, adds a romantic, real-life undercurrent to the image, while the stray curl falling on her bare shoulder is a supremely flirtatious touch. The model's facial features are elegant, yet youthful, which is the secret to Justine's beauty: a mixture of babylike and aristocratic qualities. |
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