Pussy Cat - Fashion

The original Pussy-Cat Bow

The pussy bow is back! Just in case you don't know what the pussy bow is, here is a description from Wikipedia:

A pussy bow or pussycat bow is a style of neckwear often associated with women's blouses and bodices. It takes the form of a bow tied at the neck similar to those tied around the neck of kittens, cats, and the like.  While bows at the neck had been worn since at least the 19th century, the term "pussy bow" or "pussy cat bow" took hold in the 20th century. In 1934, the St. Petersburg Times offered a pattern for an Anne Adams dress featuring a convertible collar which could be worn in four different ways, including as "an intriguingly feminine pussy cat bow tied high under your chin." In 1947, pussy cat bows were part of the look inspired by Gibson Girls and 1890s fashions created by designers such as Omar Kiam.

By the 1960s, pussy bows were a fixture in American fashion having been incorporated by top designers like Coco Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent.

During the 1980s, the pussy bow blouse became a key part of Margaret Thatcher's political image after she became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in 1979, and became closely linked with her. Thatcher reportedly said she thought bows were "rather softening" and "pretty," and at her funeral in 2013, the then Prime Minister's wife paid tribute by wearing a pussy bow blouse. The Thatcher look was imitated by other female politicians.

I remember vividly, during the 1970s, when women were taking on higher positions in the world of business, that this type of blouse was worn with a suit to mimic the professional look of men's ties. I even sewed a few pussy bow blouses myself. Below, is a photo of my Mom, wearing a blouse that I made for her. During the 1980s, we paired these blouses with shoulder pads for that "Dynasty" look!

Roz in her Pussy-Bow Blouse

British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher wore this type of bow ALL the time!

Margaret Thatcher

The bow softens the look of a harsh suit jacket, but maintains a look of professionalism with a bit of fluff. At one time, these were called "Secretary Blouses." I must admit, during my many years as a secretary, I wore a few of these. I like the look!

Then, there's a whole 'nother story about the Pussy Bow which gives it a different connotation!

Ingrid Bergman, 1942

Last night Larry and I attended a birthday celebration / screening at the invitation of hometown friend, Fredde Duke. I've known Fredde's family practically my whole life. We grew up in the same neighborhood. Her older brother, Alan and I used to work together. Previously, Fredde made a film about her father, film producer Maurice Duke. Last night Fredde showed us a short documentary about her life with cats. It was a memoir of sorts about all of the cats that she has owned. It was hilarious, heart-warming and refreshing. In Fredde's honor, I wore my scarf tied in a pussy bow!

Many of Fredde's friends had on adorable cat-ear bandeaux. Fredde's daughter, Augie outdid everyone by actually dressing as a cat!

Augie and Fredde