Lena Mary Calhoun Horne was known for her beauty and activism. Born in Brooklyn, NY in 1917, she left school at the age of 16 to join the chorus at the Cotton Club. Her success as a nightclub performer opened doors for her to become a successful Hollywood actress, with substantial roles in the films Cabin in the Sky and Stormy Weather, the film that produced Horne’s most well-known song of the same title.
In addition to being a renowned singer, dancer and actress, Horne was also an outspoken activist. She refused to play roles that stereotyped African Americans, and she was an advocate for women’s rights and racial equality. In the 1940s, she sued a number of restaurants and theaters for discrimination, and she participated in the March on Washington in 1963. Due to her participation in the leftist group the Progressive Citizens of America, Horne was blacklisted in Hollywood, and was unable to find work. She performed mostly in nightclubs until she was able to return to movies in 1956.
Horne was married to Louis Jones from 1937 to 1944, and they had two children. She married Lennie Hayton, a white bandleader, in France in December of 1947. Sadly there are no photos available, but the beautiful Ms. Horne reportedly wore a black wedding dress! The couple kept their marriage a secret for three years, and finally announced their marriage in 1950 in Life magazine. The couple separated in the 1960s but never divorced.
Horne made her final film appearance as Glinda the Good Witch, in the popular 1978 movie, The Wiz, in which she stared along Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. She continued to perform and record into the 1990s. Horne passed away on May 9, 2010, in New York City of heart failure. Many famous actresses and performers, such as Leontyne Price and Cicely Tyson came to pay their respects.
Today we reminisce about the timeless beauty and style of the exquisite Ms. Lena Horne, while also exploring how to reproduce her most famous looks on your wedding day.
Crumb Catcher Neckline
Ms. Horne looks striking in this mermaid dress that features a crumb catcher neckline. This eye-catching neckline definitely adds intrigue to any dress and it is very prevalent in bridal fashion. We love these looks from Ramona Keveza, Brides by Demetrios, and Simone Carvalli.
Ramona Keveza Brides by Demetrios
One Shoulder
Ms. Horne looks like a dream in these one shoulder gowns, and this glamorous looks translates beautifully into bridal. We love these one shoulder designs by Ramona Keveza, Dennis Basso, Maggie Sottero, and Carolina Herrera.
Gloves and Sleeves
We are starting to see move gloves on bridal runways now, and Ms. Horne knew how to showcase a gloved look in the most glamour of ways. If you want to wear gloves on your wedding day, you can look to Oscar de la Renta, Elizabeth Fillmore, Reem Acra, and Vera Wang for inspiration.
Sultry Red
If you truly want to bring the drama on your wedding day, why not wear an unconventional color. Ms. Horne oozes class and sensuality in this red number, and designers such as Oscar de la Renta, Vera Wang and Kitty Chen are not afraid to showcase this bold color in bridal.
Thank you Ms. Horne for showing us that beautiful women can and should always be more than just a pretty face.
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