Bette Davis and Her Sunglasses

Tuesday, February 20, 2018


If there has ever been one actress who made sure she protected her eyes from potentially harmful UV rays then it has to be Bette Davis. Fortunately for her sunglasses were not only worn to remain safe in the presence of the bright Californian sun, they became an expression of her unique style and quirky personality too. For who else, if not Bette Davis, could be seen as a more original and frank character in Hollywood during the Golden Age of film.

Above: Davis sipping a drink on the set of Now, Voyager, 1942.
https://therake.com/stories/icons/bette-davis-stars-eyes/

From the quintessentially 1930s perfectly round shades to a pair of super slim cat eyes, that bear an uncanny resemblance to the styles visible all over Instagram today, Bette Davis undoubtedly had an affinity for this small fashion accessory. And rightly so, because it seems as though sunglasses are all she needed to complete her laid back but never careless stylish ensembles every day. Honestly, it is difficult to be surprised -- sunglasses are a great invention, it's just a matter of remembering to take them before leaving one's house in the morning!

Davis eating an ice cream, c. 1933.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/214484000974647444/

Davis strolling in the summer, 1930s.
https://hiveminer.com/Tags/academyaward%2Cvintage

Davis knitting most likely on the set of The Old Maid, 1939.
http://historyknits.blogspot.co.uk/2010/04/knitting-before-and-behind-camera.html

Davis enjoying a cup of tea, 1940s.
https://www.pinterest.fr/pin/16677461103953777/

Davis on the set of Hush... Hush, Sweet Charlotte, 1964.
https://twitter.com/theoldhollywood/status/838550798397292545

Davis with a falcon, c. 1970.
https://mattsko.wordpress.com/2012/12/31/bette-davis-with-an-awesome-pair-of-sunglasses-and-a-falcon/

Davis attending the Cannes Film Festival with her oldest daughter, B.D., in 1963.
https://edition.cnn.com/2017/03/03/entertainment/bette-davis-joan-crawford-feud/index.html

Davis with her personal assistant Kathryn Sermak, 1980s.
https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/bette-davis-with-her-personal-assistant-kathryn-sermak-news-photo/110462069?#bette-davis-with-her-personal-assistant-kathryn-sermak-picture-id110462069

Some of my favourite Bete Davis films, all of which I highly recommend, include:

Ex-Lady (1933)
Front Page Woman (1935)
Now, Voyager (1942)
All About Eve (1950)

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