LOS ANGELES, CA – Elle Fanning turned heads at the LA premiere of “A Complete Unknown” on Tuesday night, embracing a retro beehive hairstyle reminiscent of the swinging ‘60s.
A Modern Take on a Vintage Classic
In an era dominated by sleek, slicked-back styles, Fanning’s voluminous blonde beehive was a refreshing throwback. The look was completed with soft, tousled pigtails, tied with crystal-encrusted hair ties that doubled as her jewelry for the evening.
The actress, who portrays Sylvie Russo, Bob Dylan’s girlfriend in James Mangold’s upcoming film, walked the red carpet in a custom white Gucci silk gown, elegantly finished with crystal embellishments.
The Evolution of the Beehive
The stacked hairstyle has seen countless revivals since its origins in the 18th century, when Marie Antoinette’s “le pouf” set the trend for extravagant, high-volume hair. The modern beehive as we know it was introduced in 1960 by Chicago hairstylist Margaret Vinci Heldt, who found inspiration in the structured shapes of fez and pillbox hats, famously worn by Jackie Kennedy Onassis.
Throughout the 20th century, the conical coiffure became a signature for icons like Brigitte Bardot, Barbra Streisand, Dolly Parton, and later, Amy Winehouse.
The Beehive’s Comeback—With a Twist
While voluminous updos are making a slow return to red carpets and runways, today’s beehive is more understated than its towering predecessors.
For Versace’s Spring-Summer 2024 collection, models rocked subtle bouffants paired with ‘60s-inspired mini dresses. Similarly, Bora Aksu’s Spring-Summer 2025 runway showcased vintage-inspired twin sets, cat-eye sunglasses, and soft teased hair. Celebrities like Nicola Coughlan, Zendaya, and Kaia Gerber have also been spotted embracing the modern beehive revival, favoring muted volume over sky-high height.
A Fresh Take on Mid-Century Glam
Elle Fanning’s mid-century-inspired look offered a chic alternative to the sleek ballerina buns currently dominating Hollywood. While it may not fully embrace the Dolly Parton mantra—“the higher the hair, the closer to Heaven”—it’s a stylish nod to the timeless glamour of the 1960s.
Source: CNN News
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