Never Were There Such Devoted Sisters

Lillian and Dorothy Gish

When I was a young girl, I became very impressed with the films and starts of the silent era. A particular favourite of mine was Lillian Gish. I thought her delicate, almost fairy-like features were so lovely. 

Her sister Dorothy was also an actress, and was known for being more of a tomboy than her more famous sister Lillian. I think my own sister Morag liked Dorothy a little better. 

They might not have been huge, glamorous stars with names that everyone knows, such as Greta Garbo or Katherine Hepburn, but they were both there at nearly the very beginning of silent films. Certainly they were there to witness Hollywood transform into what it is today. 

And they both had a wonderful sense of style. 

Dorothy:

Boasting a lovely bob

A Maria Gallenga gown similar to the one worn by Dorothy in the above photo. I love the sort-of medieval feel to it.

That coat!

Dorothy sporting blonde curls for one of her roles.

A Robe de Style similar to Dorothy's.

Lillian:

Lovely coat.

This dress is so simple, yet stunning. 

A similar dress from the early 20s

From her film 'Way Down East'

A gauzy evening dress of the 1910s, similar to the one above.

Lillian wearing a Fortuny gown.

One of Fortuny's Deltos gowns.

Another lovely Robe de Style.

An elegant Lillian of the 1930s or 40s

The sisters were always charming and fashionable.

The sisters with friend and co-actor Richard Barthelmess.

I love Lillian's Asian inspired hat!

Beautiful still.