Style Secrets from the Ultimate Temptress: Samson and Delilah (1949)

When Cecil B. DeMille made a movie, it was always big.

Lots of melodrama and grand spectacle. Huge sets, thousands of extras, thrilling action, and plenty of sin and sex. The veteran showman knew what the public wanted and he gave it to them as only he could.

With his next project, Samson and Delilah (1949), he would be returning to the Biblical epic for the first time since The Sign of the Cross (1932).

For this mammoth undertaking in costuming, DeMille called on a talented team of artisans to create a blended fantasy of Minoan style and Hollywood glamour.

Paramount’s premier costume designer, Edith Head, was tasked with outfitting the infamous Biblical temptress, but not without some difficulties.

Director Cecil B. DeMille’s vision for his Delilah was of a voluptuous siren, but the leading lady, Hedy Lamarr, had other thoughts. She wanted to appear in her natural proportions.

Head recalled: “I draped and shaped her [Hedy] until DeMille’s required sensuousness and Hedy’s desired naturalness.” Not only did she have to accomodate the wishes of star and director, Head also had the restrictive Hay’s Code to contend with.

By the end of the film the esteemed costume designer had “created a sexy, but morally acceptable Delilah.”

This post is a celebration of Head’s Oscar winning creations for Hedy Lamarr – some of my favorite costumes in the movies – along with cheeky advice for any one looking to spruce up their style.

“Meeting” Outfit

Temptress Style Secret #1:

Keep Surprises in Your Arsenal at all Times

When first meeting your prey you must not force your impression onto them with the best in your wardrobe, but you must show them that more goodness lies in store.

Hint through your color palette that you are unique, exciting, and even a bit dangerous.

Choose adequate accessories that will draw all eyes to your best features. Remember, this is your time to show the world who you are. You don’t want to give it all away, but you do want to put on an anticipatory, tantalizing show.

Sparkling fabric, a plunging keyhole neckline, and a cavalcade of warm colors suggests Delilah’s sensual, fiery nature. The draped cloak falling from her shoulders evokes authority and regality.

Eye catching gold accessories complete the introductory look.

Teal Wedding Guest Outfit

Temptress Style Secret #2:

Emphasize Your Softness

When setting a trap for your victim, you must utilize the power of yin and yang.

Remember the element of danger we talked about earlier? That comes into play here, but it’s just as important to show your soft side as well. Play up your charms in an outfit that displays both essences in equal measure.

With a sweetheart neckline, fuller skirt, elegant veil, and delicate accessories this is easily Delilah’s most feminine costume.

The hue of the dress brings out her blue eyes while the gold provides a contrast against her raven hair. The intricacy of the gold trim further heightens her softness and femininity, framing her face, hair, and body against a shining wash of teal satin.

This is the first appearance of the sweetheart neckline in Delilah’s costuming — a style element that will be repeated throughout the epic film.

Silver Gown with Pearl Jewelry

Temptress Style Secret #3:

Know When to Flaunt

There are moments in life that require more than is usually accepted.

Whether celebrating a victory, impressing a dignitary, or simply to give oneself a much needed boost, don’t be afraid to go outside your comfort zone. Make a splash and watch heads turn.

Silver lame trimmed in pearls with a crown and pearl hair ornaments displays Delilah’s new found wealth and position as the mistress of the Saran of Gaza. The Silver lame gown slinkily drapes around her as she literally drips in pearls from head to toe.

This outfit is made to impress both the Saran and the audience — and boy, does it succeed.

Gold “Plotting” Gown with Red Accessories

Temptress Style Secret #4:

Red is Always a Good Idea

It is no secret that red — the color that symbolizes love, hate, danger, and passion — is a favorite of the temptress. Like an aphrodisiac, the very sight of red can increase one’s heart rate, making this color a powerful tool in the hands of one who knows how to use it.

Gold lame sweetheart neckline accented with red jewels speaks to Delilah’s power, dominance, and sexuality. Although the Saran can see right through her womanly wiles, she slinks her way through the counsel while successfully plotting Samson’s demise.

Note: The use of red extends to her accessories: jewelry, a feather, veil, and hair embellishments.

Silver “Seduction” Gown with Emerald Green Jewelry

Temptress Style Secret #5:

When Going in for the Kill, Keep it Subtle

Sometimes, less is more.

When closing in on your victim, you want to slowly and cautiously lure your prey into your trap. This is nearly impossible to do when you have danger brazenly written all over you. This occasion calls for subtlety.

Your outfit should be alluring, but not flamboyantly so. Similarly, the colors should have a soothing, calming factor. Think silent, but deadly.

Shimmering metallic silver patterned fabric gown is accented by emerald green jewelry. Asymmetric top evokes seductive, exotic drama while green, the color of envy and poison, perfectly symbolizes Delilah’s emotional state.

She has been jealous of Samson’s favor for her sister and it has vindictively poisoned her against him. The trap is now set and baited as she eagerly awaits her vengeance.

Purple & Pink “Hair Cutting” Gown

Temptress Style Secret #6:

Know Your Power Colors

When you have a difficult task that needs doing, put on your power colors.

You know, those colors that make you feel like you can conquer the world? The ones you get compliments on when you wear them? They are called power colors for a reason, and to not use them? Well, there’s really no excuse. They always get results.

A royal purple and fuchsia two-toned one shoulder cape gown with matching fuchsia bra and sash.

Delilah’s majestic cape gown gets the most screen time among all her costumes and she enacts her infamous deed while wearing it. A collection of gold jewelry completes the alluring, queenly look.

Orange & Gold Asymmetric “Victory” Gown

Temptress Style Secret #7:

Celebrate Your Victories

Frank Sinatra was of the opinion that orange is the happiest color. When celebrating victories, whether big or small, don your happiest color. Don’t know your happy color? Your eye naturally gravitates to it.

All you have to do is observe, take note, and get the party started.

A lavish, shimmering orange and gold one shoulder gown with pearl trim, headdress, and jewelry speaks to a victorious moment in Delilah’s life.

Her mission is accomplished. Samson is captured and can never belong to any other woman. A gold lame cape finishes off the regal ensemble and serves as a cover up (and a little extra pizzazz) for visiting her captive in a dank, dirty dungeon.

White Nightgown with Burgundy Cloak

Temptress Style Secret #8:

Don’t Neglect Your Nightwear

What better time than the nighttime to showcase your fabulous style.

You will want to keep it comfy, but never compromise on the attractiveness of your ensemble. Try something unexpected and dramatic to keep them guessing. And remember, details make all the difference.

Delilah’s change of heart and contrition is symbolized by a white floor length nightgown with a keyhole neckline and open, draped long sleeves that secure at the wrist.

A two toned pink and turquoise sash wraps around the waist, adding color and flair and reminds us of her vibrant personality.

A velvet burgundy cloak, which further signifies a subdued quality, completes the nighttime ensemble.

Peacock Feather Gown & Cape

Temptress Style Secret #9:

Give Them Something to Remember You By

We have already talked about the importance of first impressions, but just as important, if not more so, is this matter of an everlasting one.

When making your exit, pull out all the stops. The more flashy and ostentatious the better.

Add the extra embellishments that take your outfit to the next level and you will go down in history as generation after generation will be enthralled by your magnificent, show-stopping style.

A peacock blue feathered cape and gown with a gold satin lining is complemented by peacock themed jewelry, crown, and headdress.

Delilah’s pride is on full display as she parades her victory over Samson before the crowds in a luxurious, jaw-dropping outfit which denotes power and authority.

Her change of heart has not lasted for long and she returns to her tempestuous ways. Although she loves Samson, it is a selfish love. Unwilling to return him to his people, her pride will ultimately be the end of both lovers.

Out of Hedy Lamarr’s filmography, Delilah is the role she will always be remembered for.

Lamarr’s terrific performance and dignified presence brought credibility to a role that could easily have been laughable. Her first film in Technicolor brought out new facets of her extraordinary beauty and, in her waning career, made her a hot commodity upon the film’s release.

But another likely reason this role has gone down in history is the costume Lamarr wore in the final scene which has since become famous in its own right – the spectacular peacock feathered cape and gown.

For the climactic scene at Dagon’s temple, Edith Head dreamed up a gown and cape in peacock blues and greens. When she showed the sketch to DeMille he replied, “Why not use real peacock feathers?”

The only problem was, there were none available for purchase. DeMille, ever resourceful, told Head to wait until molting season and gather the feathers from his own peacocks on his ranch.

Over 2,000 feathers were gathered and sewn or glued on to the trailing cape, creating one of the most memorable fashion statements in cinematic history.

Edith Head accomplished her mission, while creating arguably the most impressive costume in her storied career.

DeMille was so fond of Delilah’s peacock feathered cape and gown he acquired it for his private collection – one of only two costumes from his oeuvre he desired to keep. This is what the dress looks like today. Time has not been kind to the original teal fabric body of the dress.

It has since been recreated, but the sequinned embellishments and peacock feathers remain as a testament to some of the best work to come out of the gates of the Dream Factory.

Closing Thoughts

As you’ve probably noticed, these tips are just as much about attitude as they are about style.

Proceed only when you are ready to see results that not only will have your prey eating out of the palm of your hand, but will also prompt your name to be recorded in the annals of time.

This post is my contribution to The Bustles and Bonnets Blogathon hosted by Pale Writer and Silver Screen Classics. A great big thank you to Gabriela and Paul for graciously accepting my late entry.

Grab your bonnet and head on over HERE and HERE to revisit more costumes from the movies!