Here are some of her most notable films:

• "And God Created Woman" (1956) - Directed by Roger Vadim, this film is often credited with propelling Bardot to international stardom. It tells the story of a sexually liberated woman in a small French fishing village, and its provocative themes and Bardot's performance caused quite a stir at the time of its release.
• "Love Is My Profession" (1958) - Also known as "En cas de malheur," this film directed by Claude Autant-Lara, pairs Bardot with Jean Gabin in a story about a married lawyer who falls in love with his young client, a role that showcased Bardot's ability to blend sensuality with vulnerability.
• "Contempt" (1963) - Directed by Jean-Luc Godard, "Contempt" (Le Mépris) is a film within a film that explores the disintegration of a marriage against the backdrop of a film production. Bardot's role and the film's visual style have made it a classic of French cinema.
• "The Truth" (1960) - In this film, directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot, Bardot plays a troubled young woman on trial for the murder of her lover. The film explores themes of truth, lies, and the nature of justice, and Bardot's performance received critical acclaim.
• "Viva Maria!" (1965) - This film, directed by Louis Malle, stars Bardot alongside Jeanne Moreau as two women who accidentally invent striptease during the early 1900s and become involved in a revolutionary movement in Central America. It's known for its comedic and adventurous tone.

Moreover, Brigitte Bardot's name is closely associated with Saint-Tropez, a picturesque town on the French Riviera, due to her significant impact on the town's global reputation and the transformation of its image during the 20th century.

Here is the small story about it:

The film "And God Created Woman" in 1956, directed by her then-husband Roger Vadim, was shot on location in Saint-Tropez, showcasing its beauty and charm to a global audience. It had a big success! Bardot's portrayal of an uninhibited young woman and the scenic beauty of the town both captured the public's imagination, significantly boosting the town's profile as a glamorous and desirable tourist destination.

After the film's success, Bardot bought a house in Saint-Tropez, La Madrague, making the town her home away from the spotlight. Her presence in the town, along with her status as a global icon of beauty and fashion, continued to draw attention and visitors to Saint-Tropez. Bardot's lifestyle and frequent appearances in and around Saint-Tropez, along with her friends from beau monde, helped cement the town's image as a playground for the rich and famous, where the jet set could enjoy the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle.

Before B. B. and "And God Created Woman," Saint-Tropez was a relatively quiet fishing village with a small community of artists and writers. The film and Bardot's subsequent association with the town transformed it into a symbol of French Riviera chic, attracting artists, celebrities, and affluent tourists. This transformation is so profound that Bardot is often credited with "discovering" or "making" Saint-Tropez, despite its long history. In her honor, in 2017 the mayor of the city dedicated a special statue in her name, placed just in front of the Gendarmerie, today being the Museum of Cinema.

Today, Saint-Tropez is synonymous with luxury and exclusivity, known for its beaches, nightlife, and annual regattas. Visitors often associate the town with Bardot, and her impact is a key part of its modern identity.

Brigitte Bardot is considered a Fashion Icon, especially for her youth period, during the 1950s and 1960s, and has left a lasting impact on fashion and beauty standards, embodying a blend of sensuality, simplicity, and natural charm.

Here is a breakdown of her DNA-style, the key signature elements marking her authentic style:

• Bikinis and Swimwear: Bardot is credited with popularizing the bikini in Europe after wearing one in "And God Created Woman." Her choice of swimwear showcased her figure and contributed to the bikini becoming a must-have item of the era.

• She preferred the wide-open neck that exposes both shoulders, known as the "Bardot neckline”. It became synonymous with her style after she frequently wore tops and dresses with this design. It highlights elegance and femininity.

• Bardot made gingham dresses and Breton striped tops fashionable. Her wedding dress was a pink gingham dress that set a trend for unconventional bridal wear!

• Altogether, she used to mix casual elements with more sophisticated pieces, embodying a relaxed yet chic Riviera style with capri pants, simple flats, and airy skirts, a style we use to call today CASUAL CHIC.

Moreover, a significant role played her recognizable hairstyle. Particularly, Bardot popularized the bouffant hairstyle, characterized by volume at the crown of the head. Her hair was often teased at the roots to create height and loosely styled, giving a carefree yet elegant appearance.

Yet, other times, she could add a signature bang, parted in the middle and framing her face. These looks have inspired countless women to adopt similar styles. Such a look is both youthful and timeless.

Another popular hairstyle she sported were messy updos, especially the iconic "choucroute" hairstyle, which combined volume with casually pinned hair to create a seemingly effortless look.

As for the makeup, she has created an authentic and recognizable look in 3 steps:

1. Cat Eye - Bardot's makeup often featured the cat eye look, with black eyeliner winged at the outer corners of her eyes. This accentuated her almond-shaped eyes and added to her sultry image.
2. Nude Lips - While her eyes were often dramatically outlined or shadowed, she preferred a more subdued look for her lips, opting for nude or light pink lipstick shades.
3. Natural Complexion - She favored a natural or sun-kissed complexion, which complemented her casual yet chic aesthetic. Her makeup, although impactful around the eyes, never overshadowed her natural beauty.

Throughout her career, Brigitte Bardot starred in over 40 films, becoming one of the most recognizable faces of her time. Her style was emblematic, blending effortless French chic with a touch of rebelliousness and sensuality, making her a Fashion Icon of her era.

Beyond her acting career, Bardot is also known for her animal rights activism, having devoted much of her life to the cause after retiring from the entertainment industry in the early 1970s, where she continues to live in her villa at Saint Tropez.

Best wishes,

Nadiya 

MetropolitanMe Blogger