One of my favorite movies ever is Up at the Villa, starring Kristin Scott Thomas and Sean Penn. The movie is adapted from the book by W. Somerset Maugham (love him!). It takes place in
Florence, Italy in 1938 and revolves around the life of Mary Panton (Kristin Scott Thomas), a penniless English widow, who must decide between an offer of marriage from the wealthy Sir Edgar Swift (James Fox) whom she does not love, or follow her heart and take up with Rowley Flint, a married American playboy (Sean Penn). Even if you are not interested in the story line, the cinematography is gorgeous. Lavish villas, lavish parties, lavish scenery! And, of course, we cannot forget Tuscany! The fashion of 1938 consisted of day and evening dresses, including play clothes. There was a return to a more ladylike appearance. Clothes were feminine and sweet during the day and very glamorous at night. The jewelry consisted of Art Deco pieces, brooches and pearls. Kristen Scott Thomas always seemed to find a matching brooch for whatever outfit she appeared in. A fashionable woman did not attend an event at night without her pearls. In the photo above of Kristen Scott Thomas and Anne Bancroft, you will see that Ms. Thomas is wearing a Scottie brooch, which was very popular in the late 1930s and 1940s and Ms. Bancroft is wearing her pearls.
Please visit my website, as I have listed a few pieces of 1930s jewelry that reflect the mood and era of “Up at the Villa”. Don’t forget to rent the movie.