The Legacy of Sharon Tate
The Legacy of Sharon Tate
By Brooklyn Hoffmann — February 4th, 2025
Sharon Tate was an American actress and model who hit peak stardom in the ‘swinging sixties.’ Tate continued to rise to fame while immersing herself in the fashion world until her tragic death in 1969. Though the starlet’s reign was short-lived, Sharon Tate’s legacy in film and fashion remains.
After acting as an extra in a few films, Tate landed her first major role in the 1965 film Eye of the Devil and later solidified her place in Hollywood as Jennifer North in the 1967 drama film Valley of the Dolls. A March 1967 article about Tate in Playboy began with, “This is the year that Sharon Tate happens…” Less than a year later, Tate wed Roman Polanski, a world-renowned French-Polish film director whom Tate had worked alongside since The Fearless Vampire Killers in 1967. Tate was not only an icon in film. She also gained traction in the fashion industry as her wardrobe was the epitome of the 1960s ‘Mod’ style. Characteristics of the 1960s Mod style included miniskirts, bold colors, and graphic prints inspired by art—specifically pop art. The heavy influence of contemporary pop art found its way into fashion as works were translated from canvas to fabric. Tate frequently donned shift dresses, polo necks, and Mary Jane heels while her statement eyeliner and voluminous blonde locks mesmerized onlookers.
From a fur coat in the airport to chunky bangles with a yellow-green bikini, Tate was not afraid to make a statement. She was often dressed to the nines for any occasion, just as stunning in a burgundy skater dress with brown Mary Janes as she was in her puff-sleeve, turtleneck mini dress for her wedding.
Tate added meticulous details to enliven her looks, such as coordinating neck scarves and buckle accents or tiny bows and flowers adorning her hair. She never failed to stay true to herself, which is evident in the simple floral puff-sleeve babydoll dress she wore to the notoriously black-tie Cannes Film Festival.
In 2019, acclaimed actress Margot Robbie portrayed Tate and her iconic style in Quentin Tarantino’s Oscar-nominated film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. The film quickly garnered newfound attention to Tate’s life and her fashion sense. Robbie emulated Tate’s timeless look effortlessly, inspiring a new generation to fall in love with the classic style of the 1960s. As we honor Tate’s fashion legacy in the modern-day, her memory is forever exalted.
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