The Original It-Girl

Clara Bow (1905–1965) was the original—and ultimate—“It” girl.

Born on this day—July 29—in 1905 to a family living in the Brooklyn slums, Bow suffered a painful childhood, beginning with the death of both of her two siblings during infancy. Bow’s mother suffered from a mental illness so debilitating that she even tried to murder Clara. On top of that, one of Bow’s closest childhood friends died in her arms before she was even ten years old. A tomboy, she roamed the streets with the boys and took solace in watching films.

Bow’s life changed when she won a talent contest held by a magazine in 1921, which landed her a small part in the film Beyond the Rainbow. Bow’s acting career began to take off in 1922, when she scored a leading role in Down to the Sea in Ships. Her greatest success came later, as the “It” girl in the 1927 production of the film made from Elinor Glyn’s book It.

Bow’s role as shopkeeper Betty Lou seemed tailored for her, as Betty Lou was a regular girl pursuing the love of wealthy department store owner, Cyrus Waltham. In some ways, Bow’s quest for love as Betty Lou is relative to her real-life quest for stardom on the silver screen. She was enthralled with the ability to be able to provide the same happiness and transcendence to those seeking an outlet through her work. Despite being remembered as the “It” girl, Bow was so much more. She was the definition of a flapper: a modern woman, self-made and self-reliant. Her childhood as a tomboy only better prepared her for who she would become, as she was able to freely embrace the untraditional gender roles of the time, taking control of her life and acting as a role model for women who were free of the domestic sphere. From her style to lifestyle, Bow was an icon; however, her humility and charm created the most intrigue.

The Portrait Gallery’s likeness of Bow dates from the peak of her stardom in 1927, yet she looks directly into the eyes of the viewer as to connect with them on the same level. There is no sense of superiority, only pure engagement and honesty with a sultry lure. Despite her very public and tempestuous social life, Bow prided herself on living her truth—never hiding details of her past or present. That honesty was part of the “It” girl’s allure. An “It” girl has something different, something one cannot define—you know it when you see it (no pun intended). With her unconventional yet robust sexuality, honesty, autonomy, and confidence, Bow not only fit Glyn’s character, but defined her.