‘Hemlines going up, inhibitions coming down’
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When The Trial of Christine Keeler drama aired on BBC1 in December 2019 there was huge media coverage, focusing in particular on the fabulous 1960’s outfits designed by costume designer Pam Downe and stand out looks by hair and make-up artist Inma Azorin. The 1960’s is one of the most stylish and memorable fashion decades. Newspapers such as The Times, The Daily Mail, The Telegraph, The Sun, The Express, The Metro all homed in on the Christine Keeler outfits together with her signature look of flawlessly applied eyeliner, big eyelashes and voluminous straight styled hair. Replica outfits were advertised in high street fashion stores with details of how the look could be recreated. It is hard to believe the look still stands some 60 years later! |
Sun newspaper fashion piece
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British Vogue January 2020 edition featured 8 Beauty looks from The Trial of Christine Keeler that are begging to be imitated. Together with hair and make-up artist Inma Azorin, Vogue Beauty Editor Hannah Coates talks of using many of today’s innovative products to recreate Christine’s iconic look, still so relevant today.
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1960’s fashion came about with the rise of modern culture, with a huge emphasis on emerging designers bringing about one of the most stylish and memorable
fashion decades.
fashion decades.
Amongst the most influential designers of the 60s wereYves Saint Laurent, Paco Rabanne, Pierre Cardin, Emilio Pucci, Hubert de Givenchy, Nina Ricci, Christian Dior, Oscar de la Renta, Barbara Hulanicki (Biba), Mary Quant and André Courrèges.
What most people do not know is that in those heady early days Christine and Mandy would often trade outfits and help each other with hair and make-up styling, swapping tips and enhancing one another’s natural flair. Essentially, Christine created her flagship look on a shoe-string, such was her innate sense of style and eye for detail. This however changed once finances had improved with newspaper interviews; Christine wore Chanel and had accounts at various Bond Street Fashion Maisons, and naturally Harrods.
What most people do not know is that in those heady early days Christine and Mandy would often trade outfits and help each other with hair and make-up styling, swapping tips and enhancing one another’s natural flair. Essentially, Christine created her flagship look on a shoe-string, such was her innate sense of style and eye for detail. This however changed once finances had improved with newspaper interviews; Christine wore Chanel and had accounts at various Bond Street Fashion Maisons, and naturally Harrods.
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Her look was now complete with an air of sophistication, but retaining a playful youthful edge.
On trial days a trip to the Vidal Sassoon hair salon in Bond Street was a certainty for both Christine and Mandy. |
Hair by Vidal Sassoon
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Outfits worn by Christine Keeler to court consisted of 3-piece suit pencil skirts Co-ords, mini dresses, shift dresses, wool coats, swing coats, many of which were collarless, and of course the legendary sheepskin coat.She often completed her look with sunglasses similar to eye-wear brand at the time Oliver Goldsmith, and accessorized with mini totes teamed with kitten heeled shoes.
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Christine in her legendary sheep skin coat
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Christine’s signature eyeliner and dramatic lashes were a main staple of her make-up bag throughout her life. Until the very end she still had her fake eyelashes and much loved Christian Dior foundation, a nod to her stylish moments in time.
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Fashion Facts
In the very early years when Christine was in Paris with Mandy she was offered a position with Chanel for teenage wear. Christine decided to travel around France instead of waiting for fashion season to commence. There are many images of her time in St Tropez, coining her take on Beach Chic decades before it was realised!
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Mary Quant and André Courrèges, were both involved in the invention of the mini skirt. Mary Quant naming the skirt after her favourite car the mini cooper, the car being a favourite of Christine Keeler’s also,
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Burberry’s A/W 2013 collection called Trench Kisses: A collection of classics and Christine Keeler inspired looks. Another example of Christine’s lasting influence on the catwalks and beyond.
We often wonder if Christine’s time in the spotlight occurred today what opportunities would have come her way – Christine Keeler, Fashion Designer does not seem unlikely!