Elizabeth Taylor - Cowboy Boots Bring Me Pleasure
by Marissa Gold (Subscribe to Marissa Gold's posts), Posted Dec 10th 2009 at 12:30PMThis is a post
Photo: Alberto Tolot, Sterling Winters Company
We had the chance to email with the star this week, and while she was mum about Michael Jackson, she did speak openly about the pressures of maintaining her looks, what makes her feel sexy, and favorite pieces in her jewelry collection (which she said was "like choosing a favorite child").
Check out our Q&A with the star!
StyleList: You are one of the most iconic beauties of all time. Do you feel pressure to maintain a certain image?
Elizabeth Taylor: Ironically, the greatest pressure came after my brain surgery. After my surgery, I let my hair grow out white. Women would stop me on the street and say, 'You simply must make your hair dark. We've grown up with you that way – we insist!' I thought it was very comical. But ultimately, I succumbed to the pressure and it's dark now...permanently.
StyleList: You've had some very stylish friends, are there any who have influenced your own style, or who inspire you fashion-wise?
Taylor: There have been so many, including Ralph Lauren, who credits our film "Giant" with inspiring his western looks. Michael Kors and I did a sweet story for Harper's Bazaar. He's very talented and he says that every one of his collections has a moment inspired by me or my work. I love Halston, Edith Head, Helen Rose, Irene Sharaff, Versace and Valentino, who were all great chums of mine.
StyleList: Are there any particular clothing items you think all women should own?
Taylor: Lingerie is so important, and I need jewelry more than clothes. I think every woman should own something that makes her feel sexy, as well as something that makes her feel happy. I love beautiful scarves... jackets...a great pair of blue jeans. Hats are always fun. My cowboy boots at the moment are bringing me a lot of pleasure. I think every woman has to decide for herself what truly turns her on.
StyleList: What makes you feel sexy?
Taylor: Being loved and a passion for life.
StyleList: In what era of your career did you feel fashion hit a peak? Is there any particular decade's style that you love best?
Taylor: In fashion as in life, I'm waiting to see what will happen tomorrow, but I'm never a slave to it. I don't follow the dictates of fashion – I stay true to my own style, wearing the things that inspire me and not just what's shown on the runway or in fashion magazines. I've been on so many Worst-Dressed Lists, but I've always had fun when it comes to clothing and style.
StyleList: You have a famous love of diamonds and jewelry. What's the most prized piece in your collection?
Taylor: That's like choosing a favorite child. The Krupp is my baby, 33-plus carats and growing. The Peregrina pearl necklace [a birthday present from Richard Burton in the '60s] gives me such a sense of responsibility and there are always new, wonderful pieces which are given to me with love from people I cherish. Each gem in my collection represents a moment, a relationship, an experience that I treasure. It's the love that surrounds my jewelry that makes it so important to me.
StyleList: When did you first launch White Diamonds? What was the inspiration behind it?
Taylor: One of my greatest pleasures is creating beautiful fragrances and sharing them with the world. White Diamonds was launched in 1991. The inspiration is love and yes, I admit it....I wanted every woman to be able to experience the joy and thrills that diamonds and extraordinary gems bring to me.
Filed under: Celebrity, News, Celebrity Style
Tags: cowboy boots, diamonds, elizabeth taylor, white diamonds
Tags: cowboy boots, diamonds, elizabeth taylor, white diamonds
Kathy Ireland 12-10-2009 @ 1:59PM
Dame Elizabeth is my friend and hero. Thank you for this beautiful interview. It is a refreshing glimpse into the violet eyes of a warrior whose iconic style, genius artistry and powerful humanitarian heart have changed the world. Christmas is a season of giving and love....few on earth have given as much as this amazing Dame. Here's to life, Here's to love, here's to White Diamonds and here's to Dame Elizabeth, who proves---"there is nothing like a Dame".
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jerryrayw 12-14-2009 @ 12:48AM
Eliz T what a homely phoney sow.
LindaDinLA 12-10-2009 @ 2:38PM
I absolutely love Elizabeth Taylor and cherish her perfume. Wish I could afford her jewelry but am happy for White Diamonds. I look forward to it each year at Christmas from my children.
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hg 12-13-2009 @ 5:31PM
Yea elizabeth Taylor---just terrific-- even her relatives and adopted children seem favorabled----funny thing friends and relations is a highpoint priority----I just dont promote those outlaws ----sHE STILL CAN CARRY a face and style ----beauty is skin deep A plus for total beauty ART inside and outside---there are still some young folk whom cant even surpass Elizabeth Taylor and give a profound refined face of beauty and art as a total package==jus no comparison amd outright outstanding
jpc1345 12-10-2009 @ 2:25PM
I am so grateful to Dame Elizabeth for her fearless work with HIV/AIDS, that has saved the lives of countless people around the world. Fearless because in the beginning of the disease she was THE ONLY ONE that would even speak its name. Thank you Dame Elizabeth for all you do and for bringing such beauty into the world.
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outofcontrollmom 12-10-2009 @ 2:42PM
Elizabeth Taylor has touched every area of American life.
Her legendary film career, her accomplishments as a Hall of Fame award
winner for her fragrance empire and most of all her passion for justice and
humanity for people impacted by HIV/AIDS Elizabeth Taylor fought fear and
ignorance with science and compassion. This woman understood the inherent
risk in a disease which was initially found in one group of citizens.
Elizabeth Taylor by having the courage to speak out publicly and
controversially about AIDS in its earliest days became a lightening rod for
public attacks. Her life was threatened as she continued to move forward in
the halls of Washington, in the hospitals of our nations, in the lobbying
efforts for bench to bedside treatments that would save lives. Today many
people of influence support the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS. In
the beginning of this crisis there was one slender woman of gentle health,
huge heart and powerful vision for what our countries response to HIV/AIDS
could be and for what it must not become.
Thank you AOL for celebrating this magnificent woman.
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outofcontrollmom 12-10-2009 @ 5:02PM
When Dame Elizabeth testified before congress it was at a time when it was considered very politically incorrect, her voice gave people hope.
This was a time when our then President didn’t speak of the disease that was killing so many.
Dame Elizabeth fought for government support, she fought for more research, and fought for the early release of medicines that were in the research phase that had promise. It was her voice that those in power listened to. These drugs were so instrumental in keeping, so many alive worldwide. Not only did she single-handedly (When nobody else was even talking about the disease) come forward with money and education, she did so in a fashion that that let us know this was “everyone's disease”. She already knew it was becoming mainstream, and it was nobody's fault. She calmed us down. She alleviated the fear. She gave monies that made it possible to create medicines in which now, many who find themselves HIV Positive, can live long and healthy lives. This would never have happened if she had not been the shining star, the one brave pioneer who came forward and confronted AIDS head-on.
Dame Elizabeth totally Rocks!
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shelly 12-11-2009 @ 1:04PM
This was a very nice article. My Mother was an Elizabeth Taylor look-a-like, black hair and blue eyes. When Elizabeth let her hair go white so did my mom. Whenever I see a picture of Elizabeth I think of my Mom
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Mathend99 12-10-2009 @ 11:54PM
I just love that lady! She has raised an enormous amount of money for AIDS research and treatment, and I hope she lives to see that disease defeated. Bless you, Bessie!
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TINA BARCLAY 12-11-2009 @ 3:44AM
I am a West African lady of 76 years; have travelled the world over, met folks from all walks of life but this one lady Ms. Taylor has been my inspirational Mentor through my life, catching up with her every where. We're on the same age line. I just LOVE her deep in my heart. My prayers have followed her always. God Bless you YAH we say in Africa. Keep sweet now the most beautiful woman in the entire world.
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Loida Drobnick 12-13-2009 @ 4:46PM
Elizabeth, I couldn't belive my eyes, You look beautiful and gorgeous, just like 40 years ago. That's the way we, your fans want to see you, alive, pretty like Cleopatra with sparkly shiny spirit. One of your movies that I liked more, is that one with Rud Hudson , I belive the name was "Grande". I rent that movie and see it with my kids, almost every year. There are a lot of people who like you, love you , and wish you well.
My kudos to you!!, God bless you and keep you healhty. P.S. I also love your diamond's perfume. Best Regards, Loida from Chicago
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PEPPA 12-13-2009 @ 5:06PM
Her fragrances are heavy (even when lightly applied ) and nauseatingly SWEET ;0(
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mojo 12-13-2009 @ 5:58PM
elizabeth taylor was the most beautiful female for al long time.every year her white diamonds perfume shows her beauty. there a a few sites that show her with celebraty oops. i'm still looking for more. thanks elizabeth
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Boyd McLeod 12-13-2009 @ 7:39PM
ELIZABETH TAYLOR IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE NUMBER 1 IN ALL CATAGORIES OF LIFE SHE IS MUCH MORE THAN JUST A PRETTY FACE.WHENEVER I HEAR THE SONG FOREVER YOUNG I THINK OF ELIZABETH TAYLOR
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Richard 12-13-2009 @ 8:39PM
You people must be awful young not to remember her as about the biggest slut to come out of hollywood!! She jumped in the sack with about every male co-star, director and writer!! Check it out!!!
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roberto 12-14-2009 @ 2:56AM
richard, you must be a pathetic human being to disrespect this world-class humanitarian who has worked tirelessly and unselfishly to eradicate the disease that has taken so many lives. Pray tell us, what have you done to contribute to the well-being of your fellowmen? When you've got money to spare, try to buy yourself a little CLASS !!!
knute 12-13-2009 @ 9:10PM
How come when you're 14 and can drive a harvest truck but can't get a real "on the road license", you're used to having to behave older. So you naturally fall head over hills for an actress that is 12 years older than you. Some day you'll be old enough to ask her out. So when I'm 90 and she's 102 I'm going to take a chance and ask her out for coffee. That's if I can remember where I put my teeth, cane, glasses, right shoe, and more importantly my name.
To the lady that told her to dye her hair you might be right for some, but her name itself brings forth images of outstanding beauty.
Liz stick around until you're 102. I'll put those "clappers" on all my stuff, so I'll be ready.
Regards
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Brenda 12-13-2009 @ 9:17PM
In my book, You will always be the most beautiful woman in the world!
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susej 12-13-2009 @ 10:04PM
ELIZABETH TAYLOR you are a BEAUTIFUL HUMAN BEING with BEAUTIFUL HEART YOU ARE THE DAME OF AIDS THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU HAVE BROUGHT INTO THIS WORLD THERE IS ONLY ONE LIZ AND THAT IS YOU
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kliptwings 12-13-2009 @ 11:20PM
I had the pleasure of seeing her in person at LAX airport years ago...she really has the most beautiful violet eyes...I'll never forget them!
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