Celebrating the Fashion Legacy of Shelley Duvall
Celebrating the Fashion Legacy of Shelley Duvall
By Audrey Cooper
Shelley Duvall, a “shining star” of her time both on and off the screen, passed away at her home in Blanco, Texas on July 11.
Duvall is most notable for her extraordinary acting in classic films such as The Shining, Annie Hall, Thieves Like Us, Popeye, and 3 Women, the last in which she won the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress and gained a BAFTA nomination. Duvall quickly became the muse of director Robert Altman, who discovered her at a party. Due to her utter uniqueness and ability to bring her characters to life in every role she played, as well as by mixing the personality of the character with her own energy and style, Duvall went on to work alongside many famous actors of her time such as Jack Nicholson, Robin Williams, and Paul Simon.
Duvall loved fairy tales, which drove her to create, host, and produce Faerie Tale Theatre. This award-winning six-season TV Hour, released in the early 1980s, centered on live-action fairy tale adaptations.
Duvall was known amongst friends and co-workers for having a happy, quick-witted spirit, and having no difficulty dancing the night away at any occasion, most specifically at the iconic Studio 54 in New York City. In her Studio 54 days, Duvall dated Paul Simon, and it was no surprise to catch this match lighting up any room—or dancefloor—they entered.
Along with her acting and social skills, Duvall was also one of the great fashion icons of the 1970s, showcasing a style that was uniquely her own without even trying. With her big, beautiful wide-set eyes, tall figure, toothy smile, and gorgeous bangs paired with a bob or shoulder-length cut, Duvall was undoubtedly intensely modern yet classic..
As a Fort Worth native, Duvall was a true Texas beauty queen. She sported her own style, always flowing with the decadence of the decade. She could go from rocking white go-go boots and tie dye to 80’s thick sweaters and countryside chic. She elevated the different styles of her various characters throughout her life due to her individuality and authenticity while acting.
Duvall was an inspiration to many, whether it be for her unique personality, jaw-dropping fashion moments, or breathtaking acting.
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