There’s a reason the Greek-American opera singer Maria Callas was known as “La Divina,” or the divine one. In addition to the late soprano’s recognizable bel canto singing style, her distinctive, dark features became a pivotal part of her image. Despite the Manhattan-born songstress being the subject of outsized attention from the press (like her alleged temperamental behavior and affair with shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis), she was one of the most recognizable international artists of the ’50s and ’60s and is still one of classical music’s best selling voices.
Both on and off the stage, Callas’s personal style epitomized glamour in every sense of the word with dramatic furs, dreamy ball gowns, and nearly everything in between. Fittingly, Callas’s life (specifically her latter years in 1970s Paris) are the subject of Chilean auteur Pablo Larraín’s new biopic, Maria, starring Angelina Jolie. The American actress, who wore equally as dramatic furs and costume to channel the late diva, learned several of Callas’s most famous songs for the show-stopping role. So, as Maria finally makes its way to theaters and Netflix screens, take a look back at Maria Callas’s signature style, below.
Personifying ’50s travel style in an elegant suit set and hat during a trip to London.
Here, relaxing seaside in Venice while wearing a floral one-piece and dramatic earrings.
Who knew riding in the passenger seat could look this chic?
Taking the audience’s breath away as Cio-Cio-San in Madama Butterfly by Giacomo Puccini.
Looking regal in a velvet gown and cape before taking the stage at the National Opera of Paris.
Here, wearing a collared evening coat and ballet flats in 1958.
Portraying Princess Hatsheput of Egypt, in millions worth of jewels for good measure, in the ’50s.
Looking as elegant as ever in a tulle and lace gown before hitting the stage in London.
Giving Audrey Hepburn a run for her money with an a-line dress, dazzling jewels, and a fur stole.
On the Spanish streets, in a fur-trimmed trench, in the late ’50s.
Callas’s ’50s jet set fashion was never short on fur, hats, and certainly, glamour.
In a floral cocktail dress next to her love affair, Aristotle Onassis, in the early ’60s.
To the left of French socialite, Liliane Bettencourt, in 1968.
If looks could kill—signing autographs in 1959.
Wearing a belted shirtdress while traveling in Greece with Athina Livanos Onassis.
Staging a picturesque arrival in Milan with her beloved pet pooch.
Delighting in a two-toned evening gown with Helene Rochas and film producer Georges Cravenne.
Stealing the show in one her signature fur coats.
Making a grand entrance in London wearing a look fit for a Queen.
The ultimate belted ’50s look, here, in Paris.
In one of her final portrait sessions, before her death in 1977, in New York City.
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