Frederick's of Hollywood Blog

If you follow us on Instagram, and really you should, you’ll have seen the iconic imagery we post from our vintage catalogs–the hand drawn women stylishly dressed and always incredibly sexy. It turns out the woman behind those images is just as fascinating!

Dorothy Kahn helped create the famous Frederick’s Girl, was a noted illustrator, veteran and so much more! Born in Toronto in the ‘20s, she excelled at art from a young age—in fact her paintings of King George the VI and Queen Elizabeth were chosen for Canada’s commemorative stamps.

Hired by the government after school, she illustrated educational books before the war–a job she left to join the Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service!

After the war she resumed work as an illustrator, then became a couturier—designing and customizing furs, evening wear and yes, lingerie! Dorothy left Canada for California in the ‘50s and launched her next career.

She became the top artist at Frederick’s from 1958-1973, and created the look and style of the “Frederick’s Girl” for our catalog—a look that remains incredibly popular with our customer today.

Her iconic imagery and amazing life form the foundation of what it means to be a Frederick’s Girl: confident, fearless and incredible. You can find more of her vintage pin-up illustrations on kahnart.com.

Yesterday marked the passing of Roger Ebert, American journalist, film critic, screenwriter and so much more. An indisputable part of popular culture, his criticisms were tempered by caring, wit and the love he had for all film—not just the high-brow.

His iconic star on the Walk of Fame.

The first critic to get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, win a Pulitzer and many other incredible achievements–one of which included bringing film criticisms to the masses, not just academia.

Many of us here at Frederick’s remember watching Mr. Ebert and rival critic, Gene Siskel, breathlessly waiting for the thumbs up or thumbs down portion of their legendary show.

Siskel and Ebert on Sesame Street.

This weekend we recommend watching Beyond the Valley of the Dolls (Roger Ebert’s campy ‘70s melodramatic sequel to Valley of the Dolls. In Ebert’s words “a satire of Hollywood conventions, genres, situations and dialogue…”).

Make a night of it—call your girlfriends, slip into your most comfy PJs and pour yourselves a glass of champagne. You’ll be glad you did! Read some of his best (and best of the worst) reviews here.

Our newest bra is on its way to becoming a legend. See the Hollywood Heart Throb join the ranks of fellow silver screen icons on Hollywood Boulevard, below!

Plus, for a limited time, you can get this legend-in-making for 50% off! Click here to snap one up in every color.

Congratulations to James Franco! Not only did his movie, Oz the Great and Powerful have a stellar opening, Mr. Franco also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Our Creative Director Nicole was able to score tickets to the premiere and watch the ceremony–we were incredibly excited to find out that James (yes, we’re on a first name basis) was there! Here’s a glimpse behind-the-scenes:

Clockwise from left: Mila Kunis’ costume, James Franco and Zach Braff onstage, James Franco getting his star and custom OZ 3-D glasses. 

Our new bra even visited the Hollywood heartthrob’s new star!

The all-new Hollywood Heart Throb Convertible Bra paying respect to James Franco’s new star.

We are so excited to announce the launch of our incredible (and incredibly sexy), new line of swimwear! Ruffles, ruching and embellishments abound throughout the collection, ensuring that you find a swimsuit that is exactly what you’re looking for.

Below you’ll find our top selections for the sexiest ways to suit up this spring and summer, along with some fit tips to keep you stunning while you’re sunning!

Item Shown: Ruffled Bikini Top & Brief. 

While it may seem too early to think about jetting off and donning a bikini, the sun is shining (sometimes) and the birds are chirping. Even if you’ve got a foot of snow on the ground, it’s undeniable: spring is on its way. And, with the advent of warm weather, spring break and a slew of other occasions lead to the inevitable—finding the perfect swimsuit.

From left: Molded Bikini Top & Bottom, Sequin Push-Up Top & Bottom, Studded Bikini Top & Bottom.  

However, finding the perfect swimsuit is more than just looking good at the beach–it allows you to enhance your body, play up your curve appeal and feel confident from poolside to seaside. Show off your best assets, be it your shoulders, legs or bust, with colors, prints and shimmering embellishments.

Item shown: Nautical Stripe & Rhinestone Bikini.

Brazilian bottoms, ruffled details and stripes create the illusion of curves—a smaller chested woman would want to wear the ruffles or stripes up top, while a slim-hipped woman might choose a high-cut or ruffled bottom.

From left: Rhinestone String Bikini, Beaded Cold Shoulder Cover-Up and Sequin Beach Tote.

Worried about a less than perfect stomach? (March sneaks up on us every year, too. Oops.) Look for tie sides or banded bottoms to alleviate the chance of a little bulge or simply slip on a cover-up for beach side glam.

Find the styles above and even more at fredericks.com—and remember, whether you’re the pin-up by the pool, working on her tan, or the flirt who thinks nothing of a quick dip in the surf, do it with confidence (because you look good)!