Old Hollywood Style Portraits with Anita

These portraits are a nostalgic step back in time, inspired by Old Hollywood glamour and created with the help of the Carondelet Historical Society’s remarkable collection of vintage pieces. The hats featured in these photos once belonged to the Carondelet Historical Society, showcasing not just their aesthetic beauty, but also their historical significance, representing the styles and craftsmanship of earlier decades.

The pink dress used in this shoot dates to the 1980s, but it was a lucky thrift store find—we bought it next door for just $2! Paired with its soft, feminine design, this dress channels the romantic vintage vibe that made 1980s retro styling so popular, paying homage to the grand fashions of previous eras. The cherry on top? The green cloak animating these portraits, which predates the dress by several decades and was originally crafted in the 1920s. During that transformative period in fashion, cloaks symbolized both elegance and practicality, as they were often used to balance elaborate eveningwear while also showcasing the luxurious textures like silk velvet that were trendy in the Jazz Age.

Blending these distinct items—a colorful mix of decades—is an excellent way to mirror the sentimentality and expressiveness of Old Hollywood portraits. In the Golden Age of Hollywood, the late 1920s to the 1940s, movie stars were photographed with dramatic poses, shadowy lighting, and luxurious, thoughtfully styled wardrobes—all of which sought to convey a narrative of allure, sophistication, and timeless beauty. Many costume designers of the time would mix and match contemporary and vintage pieces to create on-screen magic—a tradition this shoot emulates.

In this project, Anita channels the spirit of a classic Hollywood starlet, with her coiffed hair and timeless poise bringing these outfits and accessories to life. Well-composed, emotive, and utterly captivating, her portraits invite us not just to admire the beauty of the past but to feel something heartfelt—an unspoken story of glamor, emotion, and history all rolled into one.

Looking back, both the 1920s and 1980s were rebellious and transitional decades in fashion; the 1920s ushered in the flapper style, liberating women from restrictive corsets and introducing bold, modern silhouettes. Meanwhile, the 1980s brought a revival of earlier styles, combined with the creativity of brighter colors, exaggerated shapes, and a playful sense of freedom—making the two decades unexpectedly complementary when brought together in this shoot.

The Carondelet Historical Society plays a vital role in preserving these significant artifacts, allowing us to incorporate authentic, historical treasures into creative projects like this. Every detail—each hat, cloak, and dress—carries a legacy, providing a tangible connection to the past and reminding us that fashion is more than just fabric and thread; it’s a bridge to memories, moments, and identities.

These carefully curated, emotively styled portraits breathe life into history, offering a brief but stunning window into the majesty, nostalgia, and storytelling capability of vintage fashion. It’s a beautiful reminder that, sometimes, looking back is the best way to move forward in art, photography, and style.