We’ve been breaking down our list of 16 classic fashion icons everyone should know. Last week, we took things back to the 1920s and covered dancer-activist extraordinaire Josephine Baker.

This week, we’re hopping over to France to talk about one of the most famous models and actresses in Europe… Brigitte Bardot!

Table of Contents

All About Brigitte

J’adore B.B

Brigitte was born in 1934 in Paris, France. Her family nicknamed her “B.B.” because of her initials. The moniker stuck, and fans and writers alike still use it to describe the fashion icon.

Just like American rival Marilyn Monroe, the blonde bombshell was born a brunette. She dyed her hair for a movie role and loved it so she kept it up for the rest of her career.

Her mom encouraged her to get involved with music and dance. She trained in ballet for many years and was a skilled ballerina, even being accepted to the Conservatoire de Paris.

But she soon quit ballet and was discovered as a model. Her first major appearance was on the cover of Elle magazine at just 15 years old!

A Life of Glamour

Brigitte’s successful modeling career opened the doors to other glamorous avenues like acting and singing.

Bardot was adored for her “sex kitten” style and beauty. In fact, the term “sex kitten” was created to describe her! She offered a youthful alternative to the very formal and mature fashion of the era.

She appeared in over 40 films during her acting career, which lasted more than 20 years.

Her many whirlwind romances with several well-to-do men of the time fueled the tabloid fever around the starlet, who was one of the most famous and sought-after women around. She’s been married four times.