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Olivia de Havilland, known as one of the oldest surviving stars of Hollywood’s “Golden Age,” passed away on Sunday at the age of 104.
At 19, the British-American actress made her movie debut as Arabella Bishop in 1935’s “Captain Blood,” before starring as Maid Marian in “The Adventures of Robin Hood” in 1938. The next year, De Havilland played Melanie Hamilton in the Hollywood classic “Gone With the Wind,” which earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She went on to win two Academy Awards and two Golden Globes in a career spanning more than five decades.
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British-American actress Olivia de Havilland wears a black hat with a stylized skull and crossbones, in 1935. This is the year the Tokyo-born 19-year-old starred alongside Errol Flynn in pirate adventure film "Captain Blood."
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While many of her outfits can be credited to the costume designers she worked with, de Havilland also owned a large collection of designer clothes. Here she is pictured wearing a black lace veil and pearl necklace (circa 1940).
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The actress, who's career spanned over half a century, owned an impressive collection of haute couture, including pieces from Christian Dior and Yves Saint Laurent. This photo of her is from circa 1945.
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De Havilland dons a two-piece swimsuit and laughs as she ascends from a pool, in a photograph for Warner Brothers (circa 1938).
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De Havilland shows off her Civil War period costume on the set of epic "Gone with the Wind," which was released in 1939.
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The actress is pictured relaxing at home, holding a lit cigarette and glass of beer, the embodiment of the modern woman. On her feet she wears a towering pair of thick-heeled Mary Janes.
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The actress wore a gown by Australian costume designer Orry-Kelly to the Academy Awards in 1950, at which she won the Best Actress Oscar for her performance in drama "The Heiress."
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De Havilland wears a polka-dot frock in this image of the actress alongside director Arch Oboler, as part of the recording of radio play "Johnny Quinn, U.S.N." (1942).
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De Havilland wears a custom Christian Dior wedding dress for the film "The Ambassador's Daughter," which was shot in Paris (1955).
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De Havilland strikes a pose in a gown with a flowing train (circa 1936).
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The actress is captured in a blazer and tall leather boots at the back of a convertible in 1936.
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De Havilland embodied modern elegance both on- and off-screen. Here she is pictured wearing a long wool skirt and knit sweater. (circa 1935)
Beyond her acting abilities, the star also captivated audiences with her timeless elegance – both on and off the screen. Though some of her fashion choices can be credited to the many leading costume designers she worked with, De Havilland took a keen interest in fashion and amassed an impressive personal collection of designer haute couture.
Last year, Chicago-based auction house Hindman organized a sale of almost 30 Christian Dior outfits belonging to the actress. And throughout her time in the limelight, De Havilland embodied many of the era’s trends, whether at society events, by the poolside or on the set of one of her many movies.
Scroll through the gallery above for a selection of vintage photos showing how De Havilland was a modern style icon in her own right.