THE CHICA CHICA BOOM LADY
by Diego Reboucas (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
The most prestigious brazilian woman to ever step into Hollywood, Carmen Miranda – if alive today (February 9th) – would be celebrating her 100th birthday. Owner of a unique style, that was all about color, sensuality and joy, Carmen was already one of the most acclaimed Brazilian artists by the time she first stepped in USA (in 1939, invited by producer Lee Shubert to perform at Broadway).
On stage, singing and dancing, her personality conquered fans like Judy Garland and Greta Garbo. She caused such a frenesi that 5th Avenue stores started selling clothes celebrating her style and soon she was making musical films for Hollywood. Carmen became such success that, by 1945, she was pointed by the IRS as the most well-paid woman in the USA!
Her metheorical stardom was abruptly stopped by a heart attack at the night of August 4th 1955, shortly after she recorded a participation in the famous Jimmy Durante Show. Carmen was only 46 years old.
Curiosities:
1) Despite living all her life in Brazil, Carmen was born in Portugal. But soon after that, she moved with her mother to join her father in Brazil (when less than 1 year old).
2) Searching Youtube for Carmen Miranda american films, you’ll discover that she had a very heavy accent. This was an imposition from Hollywood directors, who wanted to highlight the exotism of the roles she played. In fact, Carmen spoke english very well!
3) Carmen was only 5' (1.52 m) height and, because of that, loved to use platform sandals. And, to compose her characters, she used to wear tons of flamboyant jewellry. She also used to design and sew her own clothes, even the ones she used in the movies! Putting it all together, it’s not very difficult to find out that Carmen was a trend-setter and till today her influence is observed in fashion industry. One of the most prestigious brazilian beachwear labels, Salinas, made its 2005 fashion show completely inspired by Carmen Miranda. And this year, due to Carmen’s birth centenary, Sao Paulo Fashion Week organized an exposition in her memory and dedicated a special edition of Mag! magazine to celebrate her style.
