Barbara "Babe" Paley remains an icon of mid-century style and social grace, captivating imaginations long after her death. Her image, carefully constructed and meticulously maintained, continues to influence fashion and inspire designers. But beyond the glamorous facade, what truly defined Babe Paley's life, her approach to diet and lifestyle, and the complex realities hidden beneath the surface of perfection?
Who Was Babe Paley?
Born Barbara Cushing on July 5, 1915, Babe Paley was one of the celebrated Cushing sisters, daughters of the prominent neurosurgeon Harvey Cushing. The Cushing sisters were known for their beauty and their marriages to wealthy and powerful men. Babe married sportsman Stanley Grafton Mortimer Jr. and later, William S. Paley, the head of CBS.
Truman Capote, a close friend, famously said of Babe, "She had only one fault: She was perfect."
The "Babe Paley Look"
Babe Paley's style was characterized by its understated elegance and impeccable taste. She favored clean-cut, simple designs from Balenciaga, Valentino, and Givenchy, often accented with striking details like color-blocking or a dramatic pin. Fulco de Verdura and Jean Schlumberger were her jewelers of choice. She understood the art of livable and natural styling, noting that being "too deliberately dressed, with everything cautiously matching, always bores me." Instead, she advocated for "the sudden shock of non-sequitur color."
In a 1944 essay for Vogue, Babe declared that "tradition is my taste," expressing her appreciation for beautiful fabrics, delicate seams, and integrity of detail. She favored simple shoes, large handbags, and blouses made with the attention to detail of an 1890 Worth trousseau. Later in life, she became known for tying Hermes scarves to her purses.
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The Socialite Diet and the Pressure to Be Thin
Babe Paley's era was one where the phrase "You can never be too rich or too thin" reigned supreme. This sentiment, attributed to Babe Paley and Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor, reflected the intense pressure on women, especially socialites, to maintain a slender figure. Park Avenue diet doctor Jana Klauer, in her book "How the Rich Get Thin," describes the lifestyle of wealthy Manhattanites as defined by long working hours, hectic schedules, and the pressure of always looking their best.
The pursuit of thinness often led to unhealthy behaviors. Some resorted to extreme dieting, lacking essential nutrients like dairy and protein. Others turned to fad diets, smoking, laxatives, and even stimulants. The obsession with being thin sometimes overshadowed health and well-being.
The Dark Side of Perfection
While Babe Paley cultivated an image of perfection, her life, like those of many of the "swans" of her social circle, was not without its complexities. Her husband, William Paley, was known for his womanizing, which caused her considerable distress.
Truman Capote's betrayal, through his thinly veiled fictionalization of her and her circle in "Answered Prayers," further exposed the vulnerabilities and insecurities hidden beneath the glamorous surface. Capote weaponized information shared in confidence, turning the inner worlds of these women against each other.
The Enduring Legacy
Despite the personal struggles and the pressures of maintaining a flawless image, Babe Paley's impact on fashion and style remains undeniable. Her emphasis on classic elegance, attention to detail, and effortless chic continues to inspire. She exemplified a particular type of sophisticated American woman, someone who understood the power of presentation and the importance of creating a beautiful world around herself.
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However, it's important to remember that the relentless pursuit of thinness and perfection can have damaging consequences. The pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards can lead to eating disorders and other health problems. While Babe Paley's style is admired, it's crucial to approach her lifestyle with a critical eye, recognizing the potential pitfalls of prioritizing appearance above all else.
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