The Forgotten Fashion Narrative Of Priscilla Presley

As we await the release of Baz Luhrmann’s EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert, which features newly found footage of Elvis, let’s remember some of the first lady of Rock’n’roll’s iconic and often forgotten fashion moments. When people think of Priscilla, they think of pastel blues and pinks that perfectly fit the aesthetic of Sofia Coppola’s 2023 film Priscilla. Though she is remembered for these muted tones and style featuring huge beehive hair and thick eyeliner, her most rebellious and daring looks are rarely remembered and discussed.

Powerful moments in fashion history are often tied to strong statements, and Priscilla’s fashion narrative is no different. Becoming Mrs Presley came attached with many rules, one of which was the control Elvis had over her wardrobe. She was told to wear bright colours and particularly not brown, as this reminded Elvis of what he used to have to wear in the army. She was also advised to stay away from wearing busy patterns, as he believed they distracted people from looking at her. Most famously, she had to dye her hair black and wear it in a beehive, which would be paired with her striking eyeliner. Famously, in all their years of marriage, Elvis would never see his wife without makeup on, and he would never like to see her getting dressed; he preferred to just wait and see the result. So, when Priscilla and Elvis separated in 1972, there was a clear rebellious statement in her outfits as she made her own life. Here is how Priscilla went from Elvis to empowerment.

The Divorce Coat

In 1973, when attending the courthouse to finalise their divorce, Priscilla wore a long patchwork jacket made up of different leather patches in various neutral shades of brown and beige. It featured a natural rope-looking trim on the edge with organic-shaped buttons. This is just one of many times when she is seen wearing the colour brown, markedly making a point against her ex-husband, limiting the colour palette of her wardrobe. So, not only does this jacket stylishly embody the look of the 1970s, but it also marks the start of a transition in Priscilla's life of independence.

Bis & Beau Boutique Days

While Elvis and Priscilla were together, he did not want her to work, so as soon as they separated, she and her friend Olivia Bis opened Bis & Beau Boutique in Beverley Hills in 1974. When attending the boutique's opening, Priscilla chose to wear something significantly different from her traditional look. She wore a striking outfit, made up of a matching denim jacket, jeans, and tie. The standout moments of this outfit were the mix of different shades of blue denim, which were then adorned with rhinestones by themselves in the boutique, making a look ahead of its time and announcing the new Priscilla as she transitioned to the working world.

Another pivotal outfit from this period in her life is seen in a famous image of Priscilla working in Bis & Beau. She is surrounded solely by patterns—everywhere you look in the boutique behind her and her outfit, there are busy patterns—and unlike Elvis feared, you are still drawn to her in the image. She wore a blouse from a dark floral palette, featuring a keyhole detail and romantic bishop sleeves, the perfect 70s top. This is an obvious attempt to prove her ex-husband wrong, and she successfully validates the power of maximalist patterning.

Monochromatic

Priscilla is no stranger to the monochromatic look, from her famous all-green co-ord she wore to her surprise birthday party to the purple look in the famous family photo of her, Elvis, and daughter Lisa-Marie. So, it is no surprise that she began to wear more monochromatic looks later in her life. A famous photo of the late 70s featured her on the arm of her hairdresser, Elie Ezerzer, who she was rumoured to be dating after the death of Elvis. In this iconic image, she wore an all-white tuxedo, complete with a fitted blazer over a large-collared white shirt and paired with a matching baker boy hat. This was the beginning of the statement power suit becoming a staple outfit for her, which she still often dons to this day.