Hollywood actresses used the beaches of Los Angeles to escape the intense heat of movie studio lights. Santa Monica and Malibu became the primary spots for these visits because they sat close to major film sets. These locations served as both private retreats and stages for public appearances. Actresses knew that the beach was the best place to see others and to be seen by the public.
During the silent film era, stars like Estelle Taylor and Pola Negri frequented the shoreline. They wore the heavy wool swimsuits that were standard for the early 1920s. Pola Negri was famous for walking along the sand with a pet cheetah to attract the attention of photographers. This behavior proved that even during their time off, actresses worked to maintain their public brand. They used the natural light of the coast to ensure they looked their best in every shot.
In the 1930s and 1940s, beach fashion changed as the studio system grew more powerful. Actresses like Joan Crawford and Ginger Rogers used the Santa Monica Beach Club to relax between long filming sessions. They sat under large striped umbrellas to protect their skin from the sun. While they wanted to rest, they also remained aware of the cameras. Studio photographers took “candid” shots of them reading scripts or playing in the surf. These photos appeared in fan magazines to make the stars feel more relatable to the audience.
By the late 1970s, the beach environment became significantly more relaxed. Diane Keaton visited the coast in loose, casual outfits that mirrored her famous personal style. She did not wear traditional swimwear and instead chose items that looked like her everyday wardrobe. Bo Derek became an international star after she filmed scenes for the movie 10 on the Malibu coast. She wore her hair in tight braids and chose a tan-colored swimsuit that stood out against the blue water. This era moved away from the staged glamour of the past toward a more athletic and natural look.
