MARILYN.

Growing up The Misfits (1961) was one of the many Films that impacted my love for Classic Cinema and storytelling. I probably shouldn’t of been watching it;) but 1980’s parenting was pretty hands-off when it came to certain things:) Movie topics for sure.

But, this American Western had an Artistic flair to it. How could it not with John Huston Directing and Screenplay by Arthur Miller? and the legendary cast of Clark Gable, Marilyn Monroe, Montgomery Clift and it's supporting actors of Eli Wallach with Thelma Ritter. The Stories behind it made it even more fascinating including that it was the last completed film by both Marilyn and Gable. Gable dying10 days after it’s production finished and Monroe in 1962.

There was a vulnerability to each of their performances that I noticed while re-watching. Especially in Roselyn (Monroe), she had so many layers Real and imagined I had forgotten. As adult I understood definitely more. I know Marilyn hated this film, the personal drama of drinking, prescription drug abuse and the unraveling of her marriage to Miller. It also was a commercial failure. But, now it's considered a Black & White (The most expensive at the time) masterpiece.

I personally also enjoyed how style defined it’s leading lady and seeing Marilyn more casual. I thought it would be a perfect StoryboardC style. I hope you enjoy and hopefully watch the film. It’s available on PRIME.

Marilyn

Shirt• Filming in the Nevada Desert in a white crisp mens style shirt would be a challenge, but Marilyn pulled it off with some help from her Lee Stormer Coat too. I chose a modern classic from Ann Mashburn perfect for any of us. Icon Spread Shirt.

Jean’s•Lady Levi’s for Marilyn. A Storied History HERE and HERE of iconic vintage western wear with curves. You can pick up your own Levi 1950'S 701® WOMEN'S JEANS HERE.

Boots•In October of 1999 at Christie’s, Marilyn’s most iconic Personal Property went up for Auction. Bringing in over 13 Million which included her square-toed tan leather boots worn in The Misfits. They themselves fetched a modest;) 85 grand that were sold to designer Tommy Hilfiger.

I myself went with a little lesser price of my personal favorite cowboy styled boot that I almost bought while living in Austin, Texas. I love the simplicity of THE BILLY PULL ON IN COGNAC.

Accessories

Hat• I kept it classic with A Stetson of course and choosing the Best Made Stetson Burnet Hat.

Belt•This Emil Erwin Signature Belt in Walnut is timeless. Handmade in Nashville, Tenn. with signature care and detail. It would last a lifetime and more.

Blanket•I loved the scene of when Roselyn and Isabelle go out to Guido’s half finished house for a night of drinking and dancing with the boys. On the sofa is a Blanket similar to this ONE from Pendleton.

Sage•While the girls are driving out to the House. Roselyn marvels at the amazing desert smell of wild Sage.

Lasso•last, but not least. A smaller elegant version of a Lasso from Hermes.

C.

Steve.

You don’t find Steve’s much these days, that “King of Cool” era seems to have sailed.. But, I do remember as a kid My Dad and my Mom’s Brothers oozing that Tough & Timeless Style. So, recently at work trying to find the perfect guy counterpart to my plethora of Female Storyboard’s, my co-worker/friend Robert suggested Steve McQueen. Yes. Yes. Yes.

Robert himself reminisced about how as a kid in Cali, he excitedly remembers going to see Bullitt in the Theater and being so entranced by Steve’s character and his epic car chase through the Hilly Streets of San Francisco and the Bay Area (I do remember my Dad reminiscing as well ). So, my Friday Film-Style research date was on.

Bullitt, a action thriller released in October of 1968 was no disappoint. It was such a pleasure to watch Steve Mcqeen as SFPD Detective, Liet. Frank Bullitt. He was such a damn good actor and while watching him chase those bad guys with his classic cool and calm manner. I was so impressed that his chill vibe never left him on the screen and how his Style perfectly reflected his character even down to his paisley pajamas.

I can see why Robert and my Dad loved it so much. Now I hope you will enjoy my little Steve Storyboard style breakdown. * Below I added the original trailer to get you in the mood and you can even watch the Film for yourself over on HBO MAX streaming. Vroom. Vroom:)

Steve.

Sport Jacket • After a late night at the Hospital, Bullitt changes into his iconic wardrobe. Costume Designer Theadora Van Runkle definitely took a lot of inspiration from Steve McQueen’s personal wardrobe throughout the whole film and his Sport Coat was numero Uno. The original Brown Houndstooth with suede elbow patches was a classic of his in daily life as well.

I chose a Orvis Lightweight Highland Tweed Sport Coat in Brown that has that same vibe and more on a police detective budget:)

Trench Coat•It’s all about the layers for those cool San Fran Sunday Mornings when the film was made. Steve’s knee length light khaki Raincoat probably is a Classic Aquascutum London. I chose a modern version with classic details from A.P.C.

Turtleneck•Even Bond took a nod from Bullitt on the merits of a good navy cashmere Turtleneck. His original was a Ballantyne, but with so many I options I picked Sid Mashburn’s Fine-gauged Turtleneck Sweater.

Trousers•I feel like I'm channeling my Grandmother by using the word Trousers:) But, thats what he wore and very well if I might say so myself.

His original Charcoal grey flat fronts with a narrow cut in the legs were late 1960’s perfect. I found q similar pair via Saks from Brunello Cucinelli.

Boots•He loved his Brown Suede Boots and the Hutton Playboy Chukka was a perfect match and still is for any guy with Style.

Accessories.

I did leave out the gun, but if your curious it was a snub-nosed Colt Diamondback. He was a detective after all. But, other accessories do have a place here:)

Sunglasses• Oh the Persol’s even if your not a style guru, its common knowledge that Steve loved his Italian designed Persols on and off the screen. He wore the Classic 649’s in Bullitt, but I chose the classic 714 folding pair from The Thomas Crown Affair in Light Havana and Blue Polarized Lens.

Watch•Mcqueen loved watches and luxury ones at that. Often Actors of that time would wear their own accessories and he chose a more functional one. The New York watchmaker Benrus Series #3061. It’s similar to the Field watch created for American GI’s in Vietnam.

Aftershave•Before Johnny Depp put Dior’s Sauvage on the map. There was the 1966 version Eau Sauvage that Mcqueen splashed on his rugged face and it supposedly was one of the first to drive women wild with a special ingredient. HERE.

Car•My Last, but not least. The Car! and their actually was two 1968 Green Ford Mustang GT Fastback’s Bought by Warner Bros for Steve. You can read about it HERE. What a ride and chase even if your not a car enthusiast like I am.

Other Notes:

Cathy (Jacqueline Bisset) Bullitt’s Girlfriend had some wonderful Acting and style moments as well and her own Driving scene. Worth watchIng for that as well. *Her Yellow Shirtdress was to die for.

And Just Curious who is your favorite Actor Style Icon? Do share!

Until next Storyboard… C.