Friday Finery: Kay Francis

 

Kay in "Passion Flower" (1930)

Happy Friday to all from Kay Francis!

As early as November of 1929, Kay had been dubbed "America's best dressed woman" by designer Travis Banton, something that her studio (Warner Bros.) did not hesitate to capitalize on.  Many of her early films had less to do with her acting ability and more to do with how well her frame showcased fashion.  

In 1935, she was recognized as one of the 20 best-dressed women in the world in a poll taken by the leading Parisian dress designers.  In November of 1936, the Fashion Academy of New York recognized her as "The Best Dressed Woman in America" and awarded her with a ribboned medallion, the first actress to be so acknowledged.  

While surprised and pleased at the Academy's decision, Kay thought too much attention was given to fashion, particularly to young girls.  She held a fantasy of living on a remote island and claimed that she would not take any of her extensive wardrobe with her, as it would remind her of her endless Hollywood fittings.  Shoes, however, she said she was "mad" about and had a bit of a shoe fetish, stating that when packing for a trip to Europe, she had 48 pairs of shoes before she was halfway done with her packing.