The term “blonde bombshell” has generally been considered to apply only to American actresses, such as Marilyn Monroe, Jayne Mansfield, and Jean Harlow, but Britain has its share of homegrown stars who not only fit the stereotype but went on to subvert it.

2021 marks 90 years since Diana Dors’ birth

2021 may mark 95 years since the birth of Marilyn Monroe, but this year also marks 90 years since the birth of the iconic actress Diana Dors.

From the Rank Charm School to glamourous pin-up, Dors was an accomplished performer, unafraid to mock her bombshell image or shed it completely, as in the classic British film noir “Yield to the Night” (released as “Blonde Sinner” in America).

Joining Diana Dors in the British Blonde Bombshells collection are Margaret Nolan, Carole Lesley, Liz Fraser, Barbara Windsor, and glamour model Sabrina.

Certainly camp from today’s perspective, the ultra-feminine looks had a daring edge at the time – these bombshells were unashamed of their sexuality, amping up the curves & va-va-voom, which signalled strong-willed independence in how they presented themselves, and what, or who, they wanted.

Sassy and quick-witted, their characters mainly got the upper hand (Babs in the Carry On films was a prime example), even if prevailing social mores of the day wouldn’t allow all independent women to succeed, on film at least – particularly in crime dramas where “sinners” had to be seen to get their comeuppance or face justice.

The provocative look of the blonde bombshell has been re-evaluated & re-appropriated in recent times – such as Billie Eilish’s blonde bombshell styling for the June 2021 issue of British Vogue – demonstrating a post-feminist attitude that women can dress how they want, and celebrate all facets of themselves, without concession.