Billie Holiday’s stage outfits are as legendary as her unique voice and the infamous white gardenias that sat in her hair. Though her life was nothing short of tumultuous, you’d be forgiven for not knowing it. Ms. Holiday (born Eleanora Fagan) was always so poised and glamorous on stage, preferring to wear long, glittering gowns, diamond earrings and pearl necklaces to all her performances. This photo was taken in 1947 and although it’s not a full length picture, you still get a sense of how incredibly elegant ‘Lady Day’ was. Notice her elbow-length gloves and the huge bow on the front of her dress. Isn’t it funny how fashion is so cyclical? Billie Holiday died prematurely at the age of 44 from heart and liver disease, however her music and influence in fashion lives on. I’m so inspired by this photo that I’m finally going to rent out “Lady Sings the Blues,” the movie version of Holiday’s autobiography starring Diana Ross (she earned an Oscar nomination for her performance as Billie). Has anyone seen it? Note: Also see previous ‘Style Flashbacks’ for Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Pam Grier, Aaliyah, Donyale Luna, Beverly Johnson and The Supremes.
