Maria Callas stands as one of Greece’s most legendary figures. The Greek-American soprano, born in 1923 in Manhattan, made her debut as Santuzza in a student performance of Pietro Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana at the Athens Conservatory, revealing the astonishing range of her voice and foreshadowing her rise to opera superstardom. Her career would be marked by iconic roles in Sicilian Vespers, Verdi’s La Traviata, Bellini’s Norma, Medea, and Tosca. Opera lovers bestowed upon her the unforgettable nickname La Divina — “The Divine One.”
But Callas left her mark not only with her unforgettable voice but also with her impeccable style. Her elegant silhouette, paired with retro dresses, statement hats, bold jewelry, and luxurious furs, created a persona that captured the passion of her legendary romance with Aristotle Onassis and the acclaim of her unforgettable Tosca under Franco Zeffirelli’s direction.
1. Dramatic Accessories Crowning Her Head
Big, bold hats effortlessly complete a chic look. A quick search of Maria Callas’ portraits reveals how timeless these accessories are — styles born a century ago can still inspire contemporary fashion with ease.
2. Statement Jewelry and Dramatic Eyeliner
If you’ve studied her photos, you’ll notice a few signature details: intense, piercing eyes framed by perfectly shaped brows, complemented by large accessories that harmonized flawlessly with her signature hairstyle — a sleek low knot.
3. Retro “Canvas” Dressing
Maria Callas was a style icon in the early 1950s, a period when fashion was dominated by Christian Dior’s “New Look” — clean lines and structured fabrics designed to accentuate the female form. The era celebrated the perfect hourglass silhouette. Callas favored A-line dresses with cinched waists and strong, defined shoulders, embodying the elegance of the time.
Finally, no diva look was complete without a statement coat. There was a popular myth that the heavier the garment, the more luxurious and valuable it was. Fur coats were a staple of her wardrobe — the key piece that unlocked the door to elegance. And while fur remains a symbol of aristocratic style, today’s fashion lovers can channel Callas’ glamour with faux fur versions, perfect for adding a touch of vintage sophistication to everyday outfits.
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