Getting to the Root...

Some have recognized the genius of Louise Brooks and some have not...Her signature bob (or "black helmet") is now the latest rage in fashion; it can be seen on the streets, as documented by Facehunter, and has made several reincarnations in recent Vogues. All this and yet an actress who pushed boundaries and is called the first naturalistic actress (though largely unappreciated then as well) is still relatively unknown among all the hipsters sporting her very likeness. I have met several of the supposedly fashion-forward sporting a Louise Brooks bob and they do not know her name or the true source of their inspiration. Such a person as Louise Brooks does not deserve to be forgotten or imitated in an ignorant manner and this theory applies to other aspects of style as well. History is our roots, within and outside of fashion. We should not be ignorant of what we choose to imitate.Modern incarnations of the lovely "black helmet" that was Louise Brook's signature during her lifetime and afterwards. For true style inspiration, those interested should watch "Pandora's Box," arguably her most famous movie and a theatrical masterpiece.

"People are trapped in history, and history is trapped in them." James Baldwin