THE ORIGINAL BAD GIRL: #badgirlcrush

Our vintage #badgirlcrush of the week is the effortless beauty

- Anita Ekberg

“I have no regrets. I have loved, cried, been mad with happiness. I have won and I have lost” — Anita Ekberg

We don’t know about you, but over here at TOBG there’s no one else we would rather sashay through the Trevi Fountain with than Anita!

Born in Sweden in September 1931, Anita became Miss Sweden in 1950, and then competed in the unofficial Miss Universe pageant in 1951.

Anita like many Pin Up girls of the 50’s appeared in Playboy and juggled modelling with numerous movie roles.

Between ’53 and ’63 she appeared in over 23 movies, including La Dolce Vita which is arguably her most memorable role as the unattainable ‘Dream Woman’ Sylvia Rank.

In 1964 she became a permanent resident in Italy and enjoyed the peace of her villa just outside Rome, so much so she famously aimed a bow and arrow at a group of uninvited paparazzi!

Her chic style inspired the fashion houses: Valentino based his 1995 Spring collection on La Dolce Vita, casting Claudia Schiffer in her place, while Dolce & Gabbana cited her as the influence for their in-house magazine, Swide.

Measuring 40-24-36, Anita had the ultimate Sweater Girl curves! Not to mention those brows and perfectly brushed out pin curls, a total #badgirlcrush. Anita sadly passed away in January 2015 but will remain an inspiration to Bad Girls everywhere.

“She possessed incredible beauty," "I had never seen anyone like her. The luminous colour of her skin, her clear ice-blue eyes, golden hair, exuberance, joie de vivre, made her into a grandiose creature, extra-terrestrial and at the same time moving and irresistible.”

- Fellini

Get the look! Here’s how you can channel your inner Ekberg;

Black & White Anita Turtleneck Top – in the hot summer days pair with high waisted white shorts and wedges, perfect for wiggling around the beach , bar or vintage shops!