Shirley Bassey talks about her encounter with Ava Gardner and about the “Something” dress
AVA GARDNER



Frank Sinatra’s version of “I’m a fool to want you”
Shirley Bassey’s version of “I’m a fool to want you”
The Something Dress – a sensational bias cut stage gown by Douglas Darnell, the sleeveless citrus yellow sateen applied with paisley cones embroidered with Swarovski clear crystals, turquoise beads and imitation pearls with strategically placed cut-out shaped sections; with matching voluminous stage coat of citrus yellow velvet, the sleeves, collar and opening trimmed with a deep border of yellow ostrich feathers, the sleeves applied with paisley cones similarly embroidered and scattered with crystals and beads, lined in electric blue silk tissue; and a pair of stiletto heeled sandals, the thin leather straps and heels painted yellow to match the gown; accompanied by a corresponding album Something, United Artists, 1970.
This dress is closely associated with Dame Shirley’s 1970 hit single written by George Harrison, Something. The gown was worn for the photo shoot for the front cover of the United Artists’ album of the same name released that year. In an interview for the BBC Wales television programme I Am What I Am, 1994, Dame Shirley said that she thought this dress was …sexy, without being over the top…. She also recounted a story of wearing the dress on stage in the Empire Room at the Plaza Hotel, New York. When introducing the song I Capricorn she said “I happen to be a Capricorn” and a voice in the audience called out “I’m a Capricorn too”, peering into the crowd she saw that it was Ava Gardner “looking gorgeous”…she said as she wasn’t ringside and couldn’t get to her easily, she hitched up the gown and walked over to her across the tables – defying any man on the way who looked as though he would attempt to touch her flesh through the holes in the dress, not to. Sold at Christies Gown Auction in 2003. Final Price £6,000.
Shirley performing “The lady is a tramp” wearing the “Something” dress
A special “thank you” to Pablo Aharonian for the Ava Gardner pictures
Love the “something dress!…one of my many favorites that Dame Shirley has worn…
Thanks for posting.
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That “Something” album with that world famous gown is my most favourit album cover ever !!!
🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷
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The “Something” gown is completely unremarkable without DSB in it. On the mannequin it looks like a halloween costume. On DSB, it is the height of glamour. The “Something” cover photo tells a whole story. It is one of my favorite covers.
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Thank you Pieter. Very, very interesting archive. I enjoyed learning about Frank and Ava’s torrid love affair and the hauntingly beautiful song written by Frank Sinatra to express his love and pain. The Something gown is gorgeous and sexy, surpassing many I have seen worn by starlets, and performers of today. Nobody surpasses DSB when it comes to style and star quality.
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There is something deeply fascinating about the relationship between Ava and Frank. Love seeing how it all weaves together.
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I’m a 2ND World War Baby, so I can remember all the ROMANCE & BREAK UP’S of Frank Sinatra & THE GORGEOUS
AVA GARDNER , She really was a very BEAUTIFUL WOMAN & ACTRESS , the 50’s & 60’s The 2 BEST DECADES EVER ,
I KNOW I LIVED THEM BOTH , & to be a TEENAGER & IN LOVE With ANOTHER TEENAGER,, 1957 Singer SHIRLEY BASSEY, THE GREATEST ENTERTAINER IN THE WORLD ,
as they would say Today WOW , YES I’M NEARLY 83 , 7th of January as My IDOL Dame Shirley 86 the 8th , as the SONG & ALBUM say I CAPRICORN ,
Thanks Pieter for this Great Trip down MEMORY LANE for Me
Dennis [ Jersey C.I ]
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