The Badge Archive

Beauty Icon Bio: Elizabeth Taylor

Name: Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor
Time Period: 1932–2011
Region: United Kingdom and United States (Golden Age of Hollywood)

Appearance
Elizabeth Taylor was renowned for her striking and unforgettable features.

  • She had luminous violet eyes, framed by naturally thick, dark lashes.
  • Her face was symmetrical, with high cheekbones, arched brows, and a defined jawline.
  • She maintained a curvy hourglass figure, often highlighted in her film roles.
  • Her beauty was both classic and dramatic, often enhanced by bold makeup and glamorous styling.

Her appearance became a global symbol of Hollywood allure and timeless femininity.

Style
Taylor’s fashion choices were bold, luxurious, and deeply personal.

  • She wore figure-hugging gowns, plunging necklines, and dramatic silhouettes.
  • Her signature looks included satin dresses, fur coats, and jewel-toned ensembles.
  • She embraced opulence with pearls, diamonds, and couture pieces from designers like Edith Head and Christian Dior.
  • Her off-screen wardrobe ranged from tailored suits to kaftans, always paired with statement accessories.

Her style blended sensuality and sophistication, setting trends across decades.

Reputation
Elizabeth Taylor was admired for her talent, resilience, and unapologetic individuality.

  • She won two Academy Awards for Best Actress (Butterfield 8, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?) and starred in over 50 films.
  • Her personal life (including eight marriages and high-profile romances) was intensely publicized.
  • She was known for her wit, generosity, and fierce loyalty to friends and causes.
  • She broke industry norms by negotiating a $1 million contract for Cleopatra, becoming the highest-paid actor of her time.

Her reputation combined glamour, controversy, and trailblazing independence.

Cultural Impact
Taylor’s legacy shaped beauty, celebrity culture, and humanitarian activism.

  • She helped define the modern concept of celebrity, with her life becoming tabloid and public fascination.
  • Her jewelry collection and fashion choices influenced designers and stylists worldwide.
  • She was a pioneer in HIV/AIDS advocacy, founding two major organizations and raising millions for research.
  • Her image remains iconic in film, fashion, and pop culture, inspiring tributes, exhibitions, and biographies.

Her cultural impact proved that beauty, fame, and compassion can coexist powerfully.

Resources:

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Tia Kennard