• Style
  • Women
  • Huff/Post50
  • Weddings
  • HealthyLiving
  • Divorce
  • Parents
  • Sign In / Register
  • stylelist home
  • huffpost style
  • FASHION
    • Departments

      Fashion News Fashion Features Fashion Trends Designers Models Accessories
      In The Market For Intern Diaries Step Into My Office Object of My Affection Stylelist Network Stories

      Featured

      Can You Guess The Child Model's Famous Aunt? Can You Guess The Child Model's Famous Aunt?
      Vintage-Obsessed Blogger Shares 18 Recent Finds Vintage-Obsessed Blogger Shares 18 Recent Finds
      Pinterest Cracks Down On Thinspirational Images Pinterest Cracks Down On Thinspirational Images
  • BEAUTY
    • Departments

      Beauty Basics Beauty News Beauty Features Beauty Trends Uptown Downtown Makeup Healthy Beautiful You
      Skin & Body Fragrance Nails Facetime The Unexpected Icon

      Featured

      This Student Reveals Her Bright-But-Wearable Pink Lipstick Shade This Student Reveals Her Bright-But-Wearable Pink Lipstick Shade
      Do You Use A Facespray Like This Yoga Instructor? Do You Use A Facespray Like This Yoga Instructor?
      Morgan Spurlock Waxes Philosophical On Mantyhose & Manscaping Morgan Spurlock Waxes Philosophical On Mantyhose & Manscaping
  • HAIR
    • Departments

      Hair Trends Hair How To

      Featured

      The Hair Doctor Is in: Consultation Is Key The Hair Doctor Is in: Consultation Is Key
      Guess Which Beauty Treatment She Gave The President Guess Which Beauty Treatment She Gave The President
      Can Pink Hair Look Sophisticated? Can Pink Hair Look Sophisticated?
  • CELEBRITY
    • Departments

      Style Evolution Look Of The Day Uptown|Downtown A Look Back

      Featured

      How Donna Summer Helped Me Through College How Donna Summer Helped Me Through College
      PHOTOS: Cameron Diaz's Life In 54 Looks PHOTOS: Cameron Diaz's Life In 54 Looks
      PHOTOS: 27 Stars Who Look More Beautiful Without Makeup PHOTOS: 27 Stars Who Look More Beautiful Without Makeup
  • CULTURE
    • Departments

      Art & Design Film Music Books & Magazines

      Featured

      How Long Does It Take To Become Mrs. Don Draper? How Long Does It Take To Become Mrs. Don Draper?
      5 Things This Hot New Musician Can't Live Without 5 Things This Hot New Musician Can't Live Without
      PHOTOS: SXSW Street Style PHOTOS: SXSW Street Style
  • FASHION WEEK
    • Departments

      Fashion Week Spring 2012 Fashion Week Fall 2012

      Featured

      Fashion Intern Tells All From Behind The Scenes At Two British Magazines Fashion Intern Tells All From Behind The Scenes At Two British Magazines
      Prada's Take On Ombre Prada's Take On Ombre
      The Intern Diaries: Behind The Scenes At A British Magazine The Intern Diaries: Behind The Scenes At A British Magazine
  • VIDEO
  • STYLELIST NETWORK

Elizabeth Taylor - Cowboy Boots Bring Me Pleasure

by Marissa Gold (Subscribe to Marissa Gold's posts)
Posted Dec 10th 2009 at 12:30PM  
24 Comments
Share

Photo: Alberto Tolot, Sterling Winters Company

From a violet-eyed beauty in "National Velvet," to a diamond-collecting Dame, Elizabeth Taylor, now 77, has earned her place as a beauty and style icon.

We had the chance to email with the star this week, and while she was mum about Michael Jackson, she did speak openly about the pressures of maintaining her looks, what makes her feel sexy, and favorite pieces in her jewelry collection (which she said was "like choosing a favorite child").

Check out our Q&A with the star!

StyleList:
You are one of the most iconic beauties of all time. Do you feel pressure to maintain a certain image?
Elizabeth Taylor: Ironically, the greatest pressure came after my brain surgery. After my surgery, I let my hair grow out white. Women would stop me on the street and say, 'You simply must make your hair dark. We've grown up with you that way – we insist!' I thought it was very comical. But ultimately, I succumbed to the pressure and it's dark now...permanently.

StyleList: You've had some very stylish friends, are there any who have influenced your own style, or who inspire you fashion-wise?
Taylor: There have been so many, including Ralph Lauren, who credits our film "Giant" with inspiring his western looks. Michael Kors and I did a sweet story for Harper's Bazaar. He's very talented and he says that every one of his collections has a moment inspired by me or my work. I love Halston, Edith Head, Helen Rose, Irene Sharaff, Versace and Valentino, who were all great chums of mine.

StyleList: Are there any particular clothing items you think all women should own?
Taylor: Lingerie is so important, and I need jewelry more than clothes. I think every woman should own something that makes her feel sexy, as well as something that makes her feel happy. I love beautiful scarves... jackets...a great pair of blue jeans. Hats are always fun. My cowboy boots at the moment are bringing me a lot of pleasure. I think every woman has to decide for herself what truly turns her on.

StyleList: What makes you feel sexy?
Taylor: Being loved and a passion for life.

StyleList: In what era of your career did you feel fashion hit a peak? Is there any particular decade's style that you love best?
Taylor: In fashion as in life, I'm waiting to see what will happen tomorrow, but I'm never a slave to it. I don't follow the dictates of fashion – I stay true to my own style, wearing the things that inspire me and not just what's shown on the runway or in fashion magazines. I've been on so many Worst-Dressed Lists, but I've always had fun when it comes to clothing and style.

StyleList: You have a famous love of diamonds and jewelry. What's the most prized piece in your collection?
Taylor: That's like choosing a favorite child. The Krupp is my baby, 33-plus carats and growing. The Peregrina pearl necklace [a birthday present from Richard Burton in the '60s] gives me such a sense of responsibility and there are always new, wonderful pieces which are given to me with love from people I cherish. Each gem in my collection represents a moment, a relationship, an experience that I treasure. It's the love that surrounds my jewelry that makes it so important to me.

StyleList: When did you first launch White Diamonds? What was the inspiration behind it?
Taylor: One of my greatest pleasures is creating beautiful fragrances and sharing them with the world. White Diamonds was launched in 1991. The inspiration is love and yes, I admit it....I wanted every woman to be able to experience the joy and thrills that diamonds and extraordinary gems bring to me.
Read All Comments
Filed under: Celebrity, News, Celebrity Style
Tags: cowboy boots, diamonds, elizabeth taylor, white diamonds
Share

Style Around the Web

ImaxTree

ImaxTree

  • Make Up Tips For Girls With Glasses - Refinery29
  • How Celebs Work Red Into Their Wardrobe - FabSugar
  • Celebrity Wardrobe Malfunctions - The Daily Beast
  • Deodorants that Actually Work - Daily Candy
  • Would You Wear Long-Sleeve Shirts As Skirts? - The Frisky
  • Tricks That Guarantee Gorgeous Hair - Daily Makeover
  • Celebs Have Us Seeing Stars - People Style Watch

Related Videos

by 5min
  • Elizabeth Taylor: The Original Hollywood It Girl Elizabeth Taylor: The Original Hollywood It Girl Play Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor passed away today at the age of 79. Though her movie heyday was decades ago, she created the standard for what glam leading ladies are all about, from her memorable roles to her many handsome men. Here's a look back at the icon: her love life, her career, and her unbelievable beauty.
  • Elizabeth Taylor Dies at 79 of Congestive Heart Failure Elizabeth Taylor Dies at 79 of Congestive Heart Failure Play Golden Age of Cinema actress Elizabeth Taylor died on Wednesday from congestive heart failure.
  • The Life and Career of Elizabeth Taylor The Life and Career of Elizabeth Taylor Play She is a former child star who grew up to become one of the greatest female actresses of all time. Join WatchMojo as we remember the life and career of the late Elizabeth Taylor.
  • Remembering Elizabeth Taylor Remembering Elizabeth Taylor Play Remembering Elizabeth Taylor through a photo montage and tweets.

READER COMMENTS

(24)Add A Comment

Kathy Ireland, 12-10-2009, 1:59PM

3 stars vote downvote upReport
Kathy Ireland

Dame Elizabeth is my friend and hero. Thank you for this beautiful interview. It is a refreshing glimpse into the violet eyes of a warrior whose iconic style, genius artistry and powerful humanitarian heart have changed the world. Christmas is a season of giving and love....few on earth have given as much as this amazing Dame. Here's to life, Here's to love, here's to White Diamonds and here's to Dame Elizabeth, who proves---"there is nothing like a Dame".

Reply »

jerryrayw, 12-14-2009, 12:48AM

Half a star vote downvote upReport
jerryrayw

Eliz T what a homely phoney sow.

»

LindaDinLA, 12-10-2009, 2:38PM

3 stars vote downvote upReport
LindaDinLA

I absolutely love Elizabeth Taylor and cherish her perfume. Wish I could afford her jewelry but am happy for White Diamonds. I look forward to it each year at Christmas from my children.

Reply »

hg, 12-13-2009, 5:31PM

3 stars vote downvote upReport
hg

Yea elizabeth Taylor---just terrific-- even her relatives and adopted children seem favorabled----funny thing friends and relations is a highpoint priority----I just dont promote those outlaws ----sHE STILL CAN CARRY a face and style ----beauty is skin deep A plus for total beauty ART inside and outside---there are still some young folk whom cant even surpass Elizabeth Taylor and give a profound refined face of beauty and art as a total package==jus no comparison amd outright outstanding

»

jpc1345, 12-10-2009, 2:25PM

3 stars vote downvote upReport
jpc1345

I am so grateful to Dame Elizabeth for her fearless work with HIV/AIDS, that has saved the lives of countless people around the world. Fearless because in the beginning of the disease she was THE ONLY ONE that would even speak its name. Thank you Dame Elizabeth for all you do and for bringing such beauty into the world.

Reply »

outofcontrollmom, 12-10-2009, 2:42PM

3 stars vote downvote upReport
outofcontrollmom

Elizabeth Taylor has touched every area of American life.
Her legendary film career, her accomplishments as a Hall of Fame award
winner for her fragrance empire and most of all her passion for justice and
humanity for people impacted by HIV/AIDS Elizabeth Taylor fought fear and

ignorance with science and compassion. This woman understood the inherent
risk in a disease which was initially found in one group of citizens.
Elizabeth Taylor by having the courage to speak out publicly and
controversially about AIDS in its earliest days became a lightening rod for
public attacks. Her life was threatened as she continued to move forward in
the halls of Washington, in the hospitals of our nations, in the lobbying
efforts for bench to bedside treatments that would save lives. Today many
people of influence support the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS. In
the beginning of this crisis there was one slender woman of gentle health,
huge heart and powerful vision for what our countries response to HIV/AIDS
could be and for what it must not become.

Thank you AOL for celebrating this magnificent woman.

Reply »

outofcontrollmom, 12-10-2009, 5:02PM

3 stars vote downvote upReport
outofcontrollmom

When Dame Elizabeth testified before congress it was at a time when it was considered very politically incorrect, her voice gave people hope.

This was a time when our then President didn’t speak of the disease that was killing so many.

Dame Elizabeth fought for government support, she fought for more research, and fought for the early release of medicines that were in the research phase that had promise. It was her voice that those in power listened to. These drugs were so instrumental in keeping, so many alive worldwide. Not only did she single-handedly (When nobody else was even talking about the disease) come forward with money and education, she did so in a fashion that that let us know this was “everyone's disease”. She already knew it was becoming mainstream, and it was nobody's fault. She calmed us down. She alleviated the fear. She gave monies that made it possible to create medicines in which now, many who find themselves HIV Positive, can live long and healthy lives. This would never have happened if she had not been the shining star, the one brave pioneer who came forward and confronted AIDS head-on.

Dame Elizabeth totally Rocks!

Reply »

shelly, 12-11-2009, 1:04PM

3 stars vote downvote upReport
shelly

This was a very nice article. My Mother was an Elizabeth Taylor look-a-like, black hair and blue eyes. When Elizabeth let her hair go white so did my mom. Whenever I see a picture of Elizabeth I think of my Mom

Reply »

Mathend99, 12-10-2009, 11:54PM

3 stars vote downvote upReport
Mathend99

I just love that lady! She has raised an enormous amount of money for AIDS research and treatment, and I hope she lives to see that disease defeated. Bless you, Bessie!

Reply »

TINA BARCLAY, 12-11-2009, 3:44AM

3 stars vote downvote upReport
TINA BARCLAY

I am a West African lady of 76 years; have travelled the world over, met folks from all walks of life but this one lady Ms. Taylor has been my inspirational Mentor through my life, catching up with her every where. We're on the same age line. I just LOVE her deep in my heart. My prayers have followed her always. God Bless you YAH we say in Africa. Keep sweet now the most beautiful woman in the entire world.

Reply »

Loida Drobnick, 12-13-2009, 4:46PM

3 stars vote downvote upReport
Loida Drobnick

Elizabeth, I couldn't belive my eyes, You look beautiful and gorgeous, just like 40 years ago. That's the way we, your fans want to see you, alive, pretty like Cleopatra with sparkly shiny spirit. One of your movies that I liked more, is that one with Rud Hudson , I belive the name was "Grande". I rent that movie and see it with my kids, almost every year. There are a lot of people who like you, love you , and wish you well.

My kudos to you!!, God bless you and keep you healhty. P.S. I also love your diamond's perfume. Best Regards, Loida from Chicago

Reply »

PEPPA, 12-13-2009, 5:06PM

1 star vote downvote upReport
PEPPA

Her fragrances are heavy (even when lightly applied ) and nauseatingly SWEET ;0(

Reply »

mojo, 12-13-2009, 5:58PM

3 stars vote downvote upReport
mojo

elizabeth taylor was the most beautiful female for al long time.every year her white diamonds perfume shows her beauty. there a a few sites that show her with celebraty oops. i'm still looking for more. thanks elizabeth

Reply »

Boyd McLeod, 12-13-2009, 7:39PM

3 stars vote downvote upReport
Boyd McLeod

ELIZABETH TAYLOR IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE NUMBER 1 IN ALL CATAGORIES OF LIFE SHE IS MUCH MORE THAN JUST A PRETTY FACE.WHENEVER I HEAR THE SONG FOREVER YOUNG I THINK OF ELIZABETH TAYLOR

Reply »

Richard, 12-13-2009, 8:39PM

1 star vote downvote upReport
Richard

You people must be awful young not to remember her as about the biggest slut to come out of hollywood!! She jumped in the sack with about every male co-star, director and writer!! Check it out!!!

Reply »

roberto, 12-14-2009, 2:56AM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
roberto

richard, you must be a pathetic human being to disrespect this world-class humanitarian who has worked tirelessly and unselfishly to eradicate the disease that has taken so many lives. Pray tell us, what have you done to contribute to the well-being of your fellowmen? When you've got money to spare, try to buy yourself a little CLASS !!!

»

knute, 12-13-2009, 9:10PM

2.5 stars vote downvote upReport
knute

How come when you're 14 and can drive a harvest truck but can't get a real "on the road license", you're used to having to behave older. So you naturally fall head over hills for an actress that is 12 years older than you. Some day you'll be old enough to ask her out. So when I'm 90 and she's 102 I'm going to take a chance and ask her out for coffee. That's if I can remember where I put my teeth, cane, glasses, right shoe, and more importantly my name.
To the lady that told her to dye her hair you might be right for some, but her name itself brings forth images of outstanding beauty.
Liz stick around until you're 102. I'll put those "clappers" on all my stuff, so I'll be ready.
Regards

Reply »

Brenda, 12-13-2009, 9:17PM

2.5 stars vote downvote upReport
Brenda

In my book, You will always be the most beautiful woman in the world!

Reply »

susej, 12-13-2009, 10:04PM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
susej

ELIZABETH TAYLOR you are a BEAUTIFUL HUMAN BEING with BEAUTIFUL HEART YOU ARE THE DAME OF AIDS THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU HAVE BROUGHT INTO THIS WORLD THERE IS ONLY ONE LIZ AND THAT IS YOU

Reply »

kliptwings, 12-13-2009, 11:20PM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
kliptwings

I had the pleasure of seeing her in person at LAX airport years ago...she really has the most beautiful violet eyes...I'll never forget them!

Reply »

| 1 | 2 | Most Recent | Next 20 Comments
 
ADD A COMMENT
  • NEW USER
  • RETURNING USERS
  • AOL/AIM USERS

Got something to say? Say it!

Simply enter your name and e-mail address, and you'll receive an email confirming your comment and issuing you a password. Use that password, and you're good to go.

If you already have an AOL/AIM screenname, log in under the other tabs.

Happy commenting, and keep it classy.

Members enter your username and password.

Enter your AOL or AIM screenname and password.

ADVERTISEMENT

STAY IN THE LOOP!

ONLY ON STYLELIST

Sunscreen Dangerous? Experts Shed Light on the Controversy
Beauty
Healthy Beautiful You
Should you be afraid of sunscreen? From natural to chemical to Vitamin A, our experts explain and advise just...
Beauty BasicsMom MakeoversMore Beauty Tips »
Reese Witherspoon's Retro Waves: How to Get the Look!
Hair
Hair Basics
Reese Witherspoon goes retro on the May 2011 cover of Vogue with glamorous '40s-era hair. And we've got pro...
Haircuts by FaceMore Hair Help »
Sample Sale Snitch | Proenza Schouler SS 11
Fashion
Spring
Check out some discounted duds from Proenza today and tomorrow.
Style GuideStyle by BodyMore Fashion Tips »
Look of the Day: Aubrey Plaza & Amy Poehler at the Premiere of
Celebrity
Look of the Day
Both ladies opted for fun, printed frocks -- but each styled their looks much differently.
Look for LessMore Celebrity Tips »

MORE ON Stylelist

Garden Tips
Gardening and Landscapes Your Garden Design Questions, Answered
Room Makeover
Know-How 3 Life-Changing Room Makeovers
Weekend Diys
DIY Weekend DIY Ideas: 8 Ways To Fix Up Your Home In 2 Days Or Less (PHOTOS)
Ray And The Ro Ksubi
Stylelist Network Ksubi 'Bad Sports' Lookbook: From The Stylelist Network
Memorial Day Sales
Projects Memorial Day Sales 2012: Home Decor And Outdoor Furniture Sales At Macy's, Sears, Home Depot And More (PHOTOS)
Pier Liautaud Home
Design Inside A Gorgeous '50s Style Home In Haiti (PHOTOS)

SITES WE LOVE

Summer Survival Guide: 10 Essential Beauty Buys From Your D.C. Editor

We're Letting You Splurge On This $$$ Beachwear

Weekend Nail Treat: Rescue Beauty Lounge's Artsy Summer Polishes

Michelle Obama Attends Beyonce Concert

PHOTOS: Princess Charlene Finally Steps Up Her Style Game

Chris Powell: Bringing The Fun Back To Fitness

Carine Roitfeld, Janet Jackson, Karl Lagerfeld, and More at Last Night’s amfAR Gala in Cannes

Natalia Vodianova Was Royal in Blue

Cathy Horyn Deems Mickey Drexler’s Life ‘Not the Stuff of Novels’

Scrub Down: Hadali Detoxifying Body Scrub

Dressed In White: Sophie Theallet Sea Island White Cotton Gown

Patriotic Purse: Edie Parker Red, White and Blue Jean Clutch

Look of the Day: Leopard Meets Brights

Olivia Palermo Inspires the Perfect Last-Minute Memorial Day Look

Diane Kruger Closes Cannes in Christian Dior - See It From All Angles!

Kim Kardashian a Kopy Kat?

Priscilla Chan’s Wedding Secret

Mozart Meets the Future

EVEN MORE ON Stylelist

Clean Home
Beauty
Inspiration
Home Design
Beauty Basics
Hair Highlights
 
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Trademarks
  • Advertise
  • About Our Ads
  • Get AOL
 
 
© 2012 AOL Inc. All Rights Reserved