Style Icon of the Week: Rita Hayworth

Style Icon of the Week: Rita Hayworth

Considered the first Latina superstar, Rita Hayworth (born Margarita Carmen Cansino) dazzled audiences on film and on stage.  Rita was one of the most glamorous actresses in Hollywood history, but she was much more than just a beautiful face. She was a  talented dancer, and  began performing with her father traditional spanish dances in her youth.  Rita's subsequent performances on screen embodied a combination of strength and sensitivity that set her apart from other screen starlets, and made her just as popular with female audiences. 

With her signature red lip

Despite her sultry onscreen persona, the real Rita was shy. More talented than she was given credit for, her ability to play characters like "Gilda" made the world think of her and the image as one in the same. Starring in movies for nearly four decades, she became one of the all-time great Hollywood legends.

"Every man I knew went to bed with Gilda... and woke up with me."-Rita Hayworth

With fiery red hair and long legs Rita Hayworth was beautiful.  She lit up the screens with her graceful movements and exotic looks.  See her Turner Classic Movies biography below:

Tragically, after a long illness Rita Hayworth died at age 68 due to Alzheimer related complications.

"Rita Hayworth was one of our country's most beloved stars. Glamorous and talented, she gave us many wonderful moments on stage and screen and delighted audiences from the time she was a young girl. In her later years, Rita became known for her struggle with Alzheimer's disease. Her courage and candor, and that of her family, were a great public service in bringing worldwide attention to a disease which we all hope will soon be cured. Nancy and I are saddened by Rita's death. She was a friend who we will miss. We extend our deep sympathy to her family."

-President Ronald Reagan  (who later succumbed to Alzheimer's)

To help or if you know some one who is suffering from Alzheimers, click here

Love the beads!

Lipstick shade is fierce!

Maybe this look inspired some of Beyonce's get ups?