Fashion Icon Priscilla Presley Gets Her Recognition
By: Lauren Duncan Edited by: Kelsey Manchester
Courtesy of Tumblr
The movie Priscilla, directed by Sophia Coppola, was released this past November, following the release of Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis celebrating the ‘King of Rock,’ and it’s already gained a whirlwind of attention. Based on Presley's memoir, "Elvis and Me," a great focal point of her story in the film is her utilization of fashion to cement herself as a cultural icon. Priscilla’s fashion choices and looks show how she refused to be a background character when surrounded by greats like Nancy Sinatra and Ann-Margret. During the height of their relationship in the 70s, modern fashion favored natural looks and originality, which allowed more of Priscilla’s self-expression to take the light. Priscilla went on to open a boutique with stylist and friend Olivia Bis called Bis and Beau, and later got rid of the dramatic eye makeup, grew out her hair, and bleached it to a warm honey blonde. Whether she realized it or not, Priscilla cultivated her unique image in the fashion world while embodying the authentic 70s style.
Courtesy of V Magazine
When she became involved with Elvis at age 14, he attempted to control and manipulate her public image and choices, including her style. Elvis gound her natural red hair plain, so Priscilla dyed it black to match his and put it in a dramatic beehive. Furthermore, he preferred bold makeup with thick liner and heavy lashes to exaggerate her eyes. Elvis carefully constructed Priscilla’s look like his own personal doll, keeping her in the best current trends with little consideration of her feelings.
Courtesy of Lady Code Blog
As an impressionable teenager, Priscilla trusted Elvis to make choices for her, but that did not deter her desire to express herself. Priscilla took Elvis’s guidance and was often seen in mod dresses, bright colors with sharp geometric cuts and contrasting patterns. Being the wife of Elvis Presley meant being under the constant eye of many young women and girls nationwide. Despite the pressure to avoid scrutiny and conform to an aesthetic, Priscilla handled herself with grace. She not only left behind a lasting legacy of fashion inspired by the 60s and 70s but also demonstrated remarkable composure and care while managing a baby, Elvis's mood swings, drug addiction, and numerous affairs simultaneously.
Courtesy of Reddit
In 1973, Priscilla filed for divorce after six years of marriage, taking her life into her own hands and exploring what she wanted. Due to her love of fashion, Priscilla opened a boutique with her friend Olivia Bis, entitled Bis and Beau, inspired by their maiden last names.
Free from the need to please Elvis, her stark eye makeup was gone along with the elaborate updos. Instead, she donned a more natural fresh face and warm honey-blond waves. Priscilla swapped her constantly modified dresses for a more classic 70s look of dark wash denim jeans with flowy blouses and a chunky platform shoe.
Courtesy of V Magazine
The legacy of Priscilla’s style carried through into the 2000s as artist and musician Lana Del Rey, who already strikes a similar resemblance to her, took inspiration from Priscilla’s look from the 60s. Lana Del Rey utilized her iconic style in visuals for multiple albums and photoshoots as she shares a love for the time. Sofia Coppola even asked Lana to be featured on the soundtrack of her movie adaptation.
Courtesy of Rolling Stone
Priscilla's story is not just about fashion but about finding one's voice and identity amidst overwhelming influence and scrutiny, making her an enduring figure in both style and personal empowerment.
Courtesy of Footwear News
