Edith Bouvier Beale

Edith Bouvier Beale (1975 Grey Gardens poster portrait)

Edith Bouvier Beale (October 5, 1917 – January 14, 2002) was an American socialite, fashion model, and cabaret performer. She is best known for her participation in the 1975 documentary film Grey Gardens, which depicted the everyday lives of her and her mother, Edith Ewing Bouvier Beale, living in a dilapidated mansion in East Hampton, New York. Edith Bouvier Beale, often referred to as "Little Edie," became a cult figure and fashion icon after the release of the documentary.

Early Life

Edith Bouvier Beale was born in New York City to Phelan Beale, a lawyer, and Edith Ewing Bouvier. She was a cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Lee Radziwill. The Beale family was part of the high society in New York, and Little Edie was introduced to the social scene at a young age. She attended the Spence School and later enrolled at the Sorbonne in Paris to study art. Despite her promising beginnings, Little Edie's life took a different turn as she aged, leading her to live in isolation with her mother at Grey Gardens.

Career

Before her life at Grey Gardens, Edith Bouvier Beale pursued a career in modeling in New York City during the 1940s. She modeled for renowned magazines and was known for her unique sense of style. Despite her early success, her career did not flourish as expected, and she eventually returned to Grey Gardens. In her later years, after the release of Grey Gardens, she performed in a cabaret show in New York City, showcasing her singing talents and her ability to captivate an audience.

Grey Gardens

The documentary Grey Gardens by Albert and David Maysles brought Edith Bouvier Beale and her mother to public attention in 1975. The film highlighted the eccentric and reclusive lifestyle of the mother-daughter duo, living in a decaying mansion among raccoons, cats, and overgrown gardens. Despite their impoverished conditions, Little Edie's flamboyant fashion sense and philosophical musings on life and society captivated viewers. The documentary has since become a cult classic, inspiring a Broadway musical and an HBO film.

Legacy

Edith Bouvier Beale's life story is a fascinating tale of aristocratic decline, eccentricity, and resilience. Her unique fashion sense, with her innovative combinations of headscarves, skirts, and brooches, has influenced fashion designers and artists. Little Edie is remembered not only as a symbol of fallen American aristocracy but also as an icon of individuality and self-expression.

Death

Edith Bouvier Beale passed away on January 14, 2002, in Bal Harbour, Florida, at the age of 84. Her legacy continues to live on through the enduring popularity of Grey Gardens and the continued interest in her life and style.