"I dress for the image. Not for myself, not for the public, not for fashion, not for men."
About Marlene Dietrich
Marlene Dietrich, a German-American actress and singer, emerged as a significant cultural figure in the early 20th century, renowned for her captivating performances and distinctive style. Her role in the film 'The Blue Angel' catapulted her to fame, showcasing her ability to blend vulnerability with strength, a theme that resonates throughout her work. Dietrich's worldview was marked by a deep understanding of identity and self-expression. Her quote, 'I dress for the image. Not for myself,' reveals her complex relationship with fame and the persona she crafted. She navigated the expectations of Hollywood while asserting her individuality, often challenging traditional gender roles through her performances. By portraying characters that defied societal norms, she opened doors for future generations of artists. Today, Dietrich's quotes and ideas continue to resonate, particularly her assertion that 'Courage is the price that life exacts for granting peace.' This encapsulates her belief that true fulfillment comes from confronting challenges and embracing one's authentic self. Her legacy endures as a testament to the power of self-expression and the complexities of identity in the public eye.
Quote collection
94 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"I dress for the image. Not for myself, not for the public, not for fashion, not for men."
"The British have an umbilical cord which has never been cut and through which tea flows constantly. It is curious to watch them in times of sudden horror, tragedy or disaster. The pulse stops apparently, and nothing can be done, and not one move made, until a “nice cup of tea” is quickly made. There is no question that it brings solace and does steady the mind. What a pity all countries are not."
"Being in the depths of sadness is just as important an experience as being exuberantly happy."
"Careful grooming may take twenty years off a woman's age, but you can't fool a flight of stairs."
"It's the friends you can call up at 4 a.m. that matter."
"To be completely woman you need a master, and in him a compass for your life. You need a man you can look up to and respect. If you dethrone him it's no wonder that you are discontented, and discontented women are not loved for long."
"Champagne makes you feel like it's Sunday and better days are just around the corner."
"Glamour is assurance. It is a kind of knowing that you are all right in every way, mentally and physically and in appearance, and that, whatever the occasion or the situation, you are equal to it."
"You can't live without illusions, even if you must fight for them."
"Most women set out to try to change a man, and when they have changed him they do not like him."
"To lose your prejudices you must travel."
"In Europe, it doesn't matter if you're a man or a woman - we make love with anyone we find attractive."
"In language gender is particularly confusing. Why, please, should a table be male in German, female in French, and castrated in English?"
"Words can bruise and break hearts, and minds as well. There are no black and blue marks, no broken bones to put in plaster casts, and therefore no prison bars for the offender."
"Darling, the legs aren't so beautiful, I just know what to do with them."
"Once a woman has forgiven her man, she must not reheat his sins for breakfast."
"Love for the joy of loving, and not for the offerings of someone else's heart."
"Tenderness is greater proof of love than the most passionate of vows."
"I do not think that we have a “right” to happiness. If happiness happens, say thanks."
"I was raised almost entirely on turnips and potatoes, but I think that the turnips had more to do with the effect than the potatoes."