Anita Ekberg Was a Lifelong Bombshell
Photo: Archive Photos/Getty Images
Anita Ekberg may be best known for cavorting in the Trevi Fountain in a strapless black gown. But the La Dolce Vita actress, who passed away yesterday at 83, was more than just those few minutes of screen time. While she never found a role to equal that moment, the Swedish bombshell would go on to work with Fellini again, picking up credits with Vittoria De Sica and King Vidor. And she had an ultrastylish legacy, inspiring Italian designers from Valentino (who based his spring 1995 campaign on the scene, re-casting Claudia Schiffer in the role) to Dolce & Gabbana, who cited her as an inspiration in the brand’s in-house magazine Swide. Click through our slideshow to see some of her most iconic bombshell looks throughout the years.
She chose light-pink capri pants and a matching scarf for this casual Hollywood shoot, c. 1955.
In 1955, she donned a long gown and choker to play Helene in War and Peace.
Photo: © Corbis. All Rights Reserved.
As Helene in War and Peace, 1955.
Photo: © Corbis. All Rights Reserved.
She paired a simple white sweater with an understated orange lipstick for this studio portrait, taken in 1955.
Photo: 2011 Silver Screen Collection
Effortlessly paired with her capris and cardigan, she could make even flip-flops look elegant (1956).
Photo: © Corbis. All Rights Reserved.
She accessorized with a wide-brimmed hat, subtle mesh veil, and impeccable cat-eye makeup while filming Man in the Vault in 1956.
Photo: 2012 Getty I...
She accessorized with a wide-brimmed hat, subtle mesh veil, and impeccable cat-eye makeup while filming Man in the Vault in 1956.
Photo: 2012 Getty Images
At the 1956 premiere of Guys and Dolls, she complemented her cascading golden locks with a white lace gown and luscious fur stole.
In a summery halter top at Hotel Excelsior in Florence, 1956.
Photo: Mario De Biasi per Mondadori Portfolio
In 1957, she posed in her signature mock turtleneck — while holding a bongo drum — for an episode of the interview show Person to Person.
Photo: Copy...
In 1957, she posed in her signature mock turtleneck — while holding a bongo drum — for an episode of the interview show Person to Person.
Photo: Copyright CBS Broadcasting, Inc., All Rights Reserved, Credit: CBS Photo Archive
In 1958, she wore a cardigan with pearls to present the muleta before the start of a bullfight in Madrid.
Photo: KEYSTONE-FRANCE
In the iconic Trevi Fountain scene in La Dolce Vita (1960), Ekberg — who plays the radiant movie star, Sylvia — wades into the water while wearing a b...
In the iconic Trevi Fountain scene in La Dolce Vita (1960), Ekberg — who plays the radiant movie star, Sylvia — wades into the water while wearing a black velvet gown.
Photo: 2013 Silver Screen Collection
She looked right at home lounging in lace and heavy jewelry in La Dolce Vita, 1960.
Photo: 2012 Getty Images
Dancing barefoot in an evening gown in La Dolce Vita, 1960.
Photo: 2012 Getty Images
She aces nautical chic in this vintage color transparency, c. 1960.
When it came to eveningwear, she knew how to turn heads — like with this cascading gown she wore in 1961.
Photo: KEYSTONE-FRANCE
Dancing with Carlo Giuffrè in a sleek polka-dot dress, 1964. Photo: KEYSTONE-FRANCE
She looked effortlessly chic in a feminine cape and bell bottoms while filming Detective With Blonde in Madrid in 1966.
Looking flawless while filming Excuse Me, Are You Favourable or Contrary? on the Roman Coast, 1966.
Photo: KEYSTONE-FRANCE
She knew how to work bright colors, like this orange cape she wrapped herself in while on set for Detective With Blonde in 1966.
In a casual turtleneck on the set of Detective With Blonde, 1966.
While traveling in Madrid in 1966, she matched her glasses to her dress.
She wore leopard print and pearls in The Alphabet Murders in 1966 — a favorite combination on- and offscreen.
Photo: 2011 Getty Images
In 1967, she drew a crowd of onlookers leaving a café in a fur hat, pearls, and a leopard-print coat. Photo: 2005 Getty Images
In 1971, she accessorized a knit minidress with an industrial-looking chain-link belt.
She wore a breezy pink sundress while in Cannes for the international film festival in 1978.
Photo: 2011 AFP
For Jean Giraudoux's 100th birthday party in 1982, she opted for a very intricate, if unusual, asymmetrical, bedazzled hairstyle.
Horsing around on the Central Park playground with Jean-Yves Tual in 1999, with whom she co-starred in Le Nain Rouge.
Photo: 1999/Daily Ne...
Horsing around on the Central Park playground with Jean-Yves Tual in 1999, with whom she co-starred in Le Nain Rouge.
Photo: 1999/Daily News, L.P. (New York)
Opting for understated elegance at the World Restoration Premiere of La Dolce Vita with Frida Giannini in 2010.
Photo: 2010 Getty Images
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