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'Gone with the Wind' star Olivia de Havilland, who has close family links to Guernsey, has died aged 104 - with the National Trust of Guernsey set to exhibit two of her dresses in memory of the iconic actress.
Ms de Havilland was part of the Golden Age of Hollywood and the last surviving member of the Gone with the Wind cast.
Although best known for her role as Melanie Hamilton in the 1939 classic, Ms de Havilland received five Oscar nominations in her storied career.
Sad to hear that the legendary #OliviaDeHavilland has died, aged 104. What a life, though! Among her many accolades she was a Hollywood icon, e-trike role model and daughter of Guernsey. ❤️ https://t.co/Eq4nU8KHC1
— Lindsay de Sausmarez (@Lindsay_Gsy) July 26, 2020
Ms de Havilland was a member of the famous de Havilland family, which settled in Guernsey in the Middle Ages, and a direct descendant of Sir Peter de Havilland, a former Bailiff of Guernsey.
She visited the island herself during the Sixties and Seventies.
The National Trust of Guernsey, which has two garments of Ms de Havilland's in their collection, announced yesterday that they will put on a seven-day exhibition of those items.
"National Trust of Guernsey is privileged to safeguard two garments belonging to the late Olivia de Havilland 1916 – 2020," they said.
"A striking haute-couture, burnt-orange DIOR cocktail dress containing a bespoke boned structure including built in suspender belts, embellished with matching dress jewellery and earrings, forms one half of the display.
"Of distinct pertinence to Guernsey’s centuries old Chevauchée tradition, a gown and accessories worn by Olivia de Havilland as part of the 1966 Chevauchée re-enactment party are also displayed.
"The colour scheme and styling of these garments are reminiscent of 1964 Audrey Hepburn’s black and ivory ‘day at the races’ dress, featuring in the iconic film ‘My Fair Lady’. Nearly 60 years on, this fashion staple thrives as a much copied iconic classic."
More details about the exhibition can be found HERE.
Pictured top: Ms de Havilland picture in 2006 and items left at her Hollywood star this week.
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