Icon of Timelessness: Sophia Loren

Sophia Loren is a renowned sex and fashion symbol, a title she has proudly carried since the 1960s. Some of her defining elements that forever cemented her iconic status are her femme fatale looks, bombshell appeal, and hourglass figure. A member of the elite Old Hollywood, Loren popularized the Egyptian cat eye makeup technique in the 1950s, which we are still utilizing today.

She has always been one step ahead of the trends, flaunting wide-brimmed hats and oversized sunglasses in the 1960s and voluptuous hair in the 1970s. Her impact on both fashion and acting is apparent in the styles of modern-day actresses Sophia Vergara, Eva Mendez, and Penelope Cruz.

Loren’s Italian flair and timeless style made her into the glamorous actress no one could resist. In a time when divorce in Catholic Italy was against the law and modesty was the norm, Loren pushed the boundaries with low necklines revealing her cleavage.

In 1966, Loren starred in the spy thriller “Arabesque,” in which her wardrobe was specially designed by Christian Dior’s Marc Bohan. Bohan’s designs granted him a nomination for a BAFTA for Best Costume Design. Her experience with Dior, and many other iconic fashion houses, motivated Loren to join their ranks in the 1980s by designing her own eyewear collection, which she continues to sell today.

Recently, she was the inspiration and muse for Dolce & Gabbana’s Fall 2016 collection, in which models sported her iconic cat eye, updo, and nude lips. Loren’s signature look is timeless and is seen on many runways from season to season. IN 2015, at the age of 81, Loren starred in the designer’s beauty campaign and collaborated on a lipstick shade called Sophia Loren No. 1, in honor of her exemplary style.

Loren is no stranger to the beauty industry. In 1981, she became the first female celebrity to release her own perfume called “Sophia” by Coty, which has motivated many celebrities, like Jennifer Lopez and Britney Spears to release their own signature fragrances.

She also applied her experience as a beauty icon to publish a book called “Women and Beauty” in 1984. Her book is part autobiography, part beauty bible. Loren advised on many discernable topics, like hair and makeup; however, she related to her audience by discussing more abstract themes, such as men, motherhood, and aging. Some may consider it outdated, but it reveals Loren’s inner beauty and her need to show women the beauty in themselves. Her role as a fashion icon, actress, and businesswoman has influenced many people and will continue to inspire many generations to come.