Ingrid Pitt Was A Master Of Many Looks In The 1970s & These Photos Prove It
A Polish-born actor who became a horror icon in 1970s horror movies, Ingrid Pitt's personal style was every bit as striking — and freakishly glamorous — as the characters she played. Pitt was a master of her craft, but she was also a master of many looks in the 1970s. The actor landed her breakthrough role alongside Richard Burton and Clint Eastwood in the legendary war film "Where Eagles Dare" in 1968. Cut to the following decade, and Pitt had made a name for herself as one of the most iconic actors in the horror film genre.
Pitt became an icon for her portrayal of the seductive lesbian vampire Carmilla Karnstein in the 1970 film "The Vampire Lovers." She garnered even more attention when she appeared in "Countess Dracula" and "The House That Dripped Blood" the following year. The rest was history: Pitt was destined for horror.
Despite leaving her costumes on set, the actor often pulled together unique ensembles that made it look as though she was taking on a different persona. She wasn't afraid to blend patterns or aesthetics, and she exuded classic Hollywood glamor or vintage charm with ease. What's more, she knew just how to have fun with fashion. Pitt's lively fashion moments were much more than just another horror film. The actor may have been portrayed as an archetype in films, but she didn't limit her off-screen style.
Ingrid Pitt showcased her fashion range in a medieval-inspired gown
In 1970, Ingrid Pitt was cast in "The Vampire Lovers" — the film that kick-started her career in horror. The role of Carmilla Karnstein allowed Pitt to showcase her acting range and her versatile style, too. As the actor posed for a publicity photograph, clad in a medieval-inspired dress, Pitt proved she didn't need a modernized gown to exude elegance. The actor's outfit was complemented by her dramatic black eyeliner, which created a glamorous allure, while her long, soft hair was swept over her shoulder, adding a gentle elegance to the whole look.
Costume fashion was easy for Ingrid Pitt
Ingrid Pitt was right on brand when she attended the London premiere of the historical film "Cromwell" later in 1970. Posing with the Royal Horse Guards, the actor showcased yet another period gown — this time, the gown looked as though it had come from the Renaissance era. Her antique ensemble featured a sweeping neckline that created a backdrop for her string of pearls. Pitt added another vintage touch to her look by styling her hair into a soft quiff that fell into tight ringlets.
Ingrid Pitt experimented with her fashion
In 1971, Ingrid Pitt was spotted at London Airport wearing another eccentric look. For this one, Pitt took a more modern approach to fashion, as she embraced the era's groovy disco and hippie-inspired fashion trends with a geometric-print top. She layered this vibrant piece beneath a playful leopard-print coat that featured a plush collar. While her wide-brimmed hat added dimension to her look, it also made a bold fashion statement. Pitt was clearly not afraid to experiment with her style, and she took the look even further with dramatic false eyelashes.
Ingrid Pitt was pure Hollywood glamour
Ingrid Pitt was the epitome of Hollywood glamor at the "Fiddler on the Roof" premiere at London's Dominion Theatre in 1971. By this time, she had undoubtedly become a familiar face on the red carpet, and she was well on her way to establishing herself as a Hollywood icon. And what better way to prove it than with a fabulous gown? The actor arrived at the premiere wearing a shimmering velour gown that featured a bold yet regal, ruffled collar and a giant floral adornment that served as the focal point of her outfit.
How many fashion statements can Ingrid Pitt make?
If it weren't for her plush leopard-print coat, Ingrid Pitt would have passed almost unnoticed at the London Airport in 1973. The actor paired her fur-trimmed leopard-print coat with a matching leopard-print hat that featured the same plush fur trim. Her lively animal-print accents, which have become the new neutrals, topped a rather sophisticated white shirt and a red waistcoat, making it one of her most iconic looks of the era. Pitt clearly knew the best way to style oversized sunglasses, since she completed her fun ensemble with dramatic black bug-eye frames.
Ingrid Pitt airport style became high fashion
In 1973, Ingrid Pitt was spotted at a London airport waiting for a flight to the Taormina Film Festival in Sicily. She was clearly in her sophisticated era, having opted for a gorgeous white shirt. True to Pitt's style, she casually blended refined luxury with a touch of glamour, unbuttoning her shirt to create a daring neckline that drew attention to her string of pearls. Her choppy curtain bangs, one of the hairstyles straight from the 1970s that are making a comeback, also added a fashionable edge to her look.
Ingrid Pitt wore suits so well that she made them look powerful
Ingrid Pitt could rock a "power suit" before these became so popular in the 1980s. In 1974, the actor was photographed standing next to a swimming pool at the opening of the International TV Fair in Cannes. Clad in a blazer and flared trousers, which were oh-so 1970s, she exuded confidence in the tailored number that fit her like a glove. None of Pitt's outfits were complete without an eccentric twist, so in true Pitt fashion, she accessorized with a lively, geometric-print neckerchief.