Hitchcock Heroines: 7 Screen Icons Whose Style We Still Want Today

Let's take a look at some silver screen style icons, shall we?

Sir Alfred Hitchcock’s leading ladies were always elegant, ladylike and impeccably turned out. But don’t be fooled – there were no damsels in distress here. One of Hollywood’s most celebrated directors, his heroines were complex characters - think thieves, liars, possessed people and professionals, all quite groundbreaking roles for women at the time.

Off screen, it’s reported that Sir Alfred had complicated relationships with the women he worked with. Accusations of misogyny have plagued his legacy and actress Tippi Hedren even claimed that he ruined her career after she refused his advances.

But from Grace Kelly to Janet Leigh, it’s undeniable that he shone a spotlight on some of the most iconic actresses of all time.

On what would have been the ‘Master Of Suspense’s’ birthday, we’re taking a look back at the women (usually blonde) who took on his characters and became timeless style icons in the process…

Grace Kelly in To Catch A Thief We’ll start with Mr Hitchcock’s greatest muse, shall we? Grace Kelly and her Hitch were a match made in cinematography heaven. Edith Head’s talents were employed in the wardrobe department , leading to some of the most iconic fashion film moments ever.

Tallulah Bankhead in Lifeboat Has anyone ever looked so chic when stranded at sea? Tallulah played journalist Connie Porter in the 1944 film, a passenger whose fabulous possessions unfortunately don’t make it back to shore…

Tippi Hedren in Marnie Tippi took the title role in 1964’s Marnie working it as a thief with a penchant for couture-like silhouettes, elegant box bags and driving gloves. So damn chic.

Janet Leigh in Psycho Janet’s shower scene in the 1960 horror is one of the most iconic movie moments of all time. Her image was everything – an innocent secretary with a devious side and her clothes matched up to her character. 

Kim Novak in Vertigo Just look at the cut of that white coat. Hitchcock’s wardrobe department really excelled themselves on this one. 

Madeleine Carroll in Secret Agent 30 years before the first Bond girls, Hitchcock gave us Elsa Carrington, a British agent on a mission to catch a German spy. Actress Madeleine’s wardrobe is exactly what we’d wear if we were going as a 30s spy to a fancy dress party. The floppy hat, the nipped tweed blazer… truly excellent stuff.

Doris Day in The Man Who Knew Too Much Doris plays a mother on the hunt for her son, who was abducted while on holiday in Morocco. But before events turn sour in the 1956 film, there’s plenty of time to appreciate her incredible holiday wardrobe and this fabulous dinner date scene.

Marlene Dietrich in Stage Fright Marlene played flamboyant West End star Charlotte Inwood in the 1950 Brit crime, and, of course, had the wardrobe to match. With ostrich-trimmed dresses and doll-like make up, it’s one of Dietrich’s most memorable screen looks of all time.