Dangerous Curves: Design Inspiration and Style Guide

The 1950s—an era of poodle skirts, rock 'n' roll, and believe it or not, fierce women taking the racing world by storm! While the guys were busy revving their engines and flexing their muscles, a group of fearless ladies showed them how it’s done! These women didn’t just join the race; they took the wheel and floored it, making history and breaking stereotypes.

These trailblazing female race car drivers were not just exceptional behind the wheel but also icons of fashion, blending functionality with the distinct elegance of their time.

Dangerous Curves: Vintage Speed Queens!

Hellé Nice: The Glamorous Speedster 
Hellé Nice, born Mariette Hélène Delangle, was a French racing driver and former dancer. Known for her glamorous looks and daring driving style, Hellé Nice was a force to be reckoned with on the racetrack. She competed in numerous Grand Prix races in the 1930s and early 1940s. Off the track, her fashion sense was as bold as her driving, often seen in stylish racing suits and glamorous outfits that reflected her showbiz background.  We'd style Helle in the 'Dangerous Curves' Wiggle Dress - wouldn't she look beautiful? Aren't her shoes in the image fabulous?  We rather think she'd love the 'Dangerous Curves' Shoe!

 Helle Nice - Image Courtesy of Pinterest

The 1950s: Speed Meets Sophistication

The 1950s brought a wave of elegance to the racing scene, with women racers who not only excelled in their sport but also made fashion statements that left a lasting impression.

Denise McCluggage: The Polka Dot Pioneer
Denise McCluggage was more than just a racer; she was a journalist, a trailblazer, and a fashion icon. Known for her love of polka dots, McCluggage often sported a polka dot helmet and scarf, bringing a playful yet sophisticated touch to her racing attire. She competed in prestigious races such as the 12 Hours of Sebring and the Monte Carlo Rally. McCluggage's dual careers in racing and journalism earned her a unique place in history, proving that women could excel in multiple fields with style and grace.

You can read Denise's article about racewear 'back in the day' here, in which she admits ..."If photos are witness I drove at least one race in a Porsche 550 wearing short shorts and a tank top — but cotton I’m certain"! Perhaps she'd have loved the 'Dangerous Curves' T-shirt, paired with a pair of Kitten D'Amour Denim, and of course, the 'Dangerous Curves' Shoes!

 Denise McCluggage - Image Courtesy of LoveForPorsche.com

Pat Moss: The Elegant Rally Queen
Pat Moss, sister of the famous British driver Stirling Moss, was an accomplished rally driver in her own right and a true fashionista of the racing world! She zoomed to victory in several major rallies, including the prestigious Liege-Rome-Liege Rally. Pat wasn't just known for her technical skill and determination; she also had a fabulous eye for fashion. Her racing wardrobe was a perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. Pat's outfits typically included functional racing overalls, but she always added elements of her personal style, like fitted jackets or colourful scarves. We think Pat would have looked absolutely stunning in the ‘Dangerous Curves’ Boiler Suit, with a 'Dangerous Curves' Scarf tied round her neck! Whether she was behind the wheel or striking a pose for a photo, Moss exuded elegance and confidence.

 Ann Wisdom and Pat Moss with their Austin A40, 1959 
Image courtesy of SpeedQueens 

Racing in Style: More Fashionable Icons

Maria Teresa de Filippis: The First Lady of Formula One
Italian racing driver Maria Teresa de Filippis made history as the first woman to compete in Formula One in 1958. Although her F1 career was brief, her participation marked a significant milestone for women in motorsport. De Filippis often sported sleek racing suits that were both practical and stylish, setting trends on and off the track. Her bold fashion choices and pioneering spirit made her a true icon of her time.  We'd love to have seen Maria wearing the 'Dangerous Curves' Garage Shirt with the 'Dangerous Curves' Wiggle Skirt, 'Dangerous Curves' Scarf in her hair! 

Maria Teresa de Filippis - Image courtesy of Green Bay News Network 

Maria Teresa de Filippis at the International Trophy meeting at Silverstone, 1959 - Getty Images 

Anita Taylor: The Subtle Style Star
Anita Taylor was one of the few women to compete in British Touring Car Championship races during the 1960s. Known for her competitive spirit and skill on the track, Taylor also had a keen sense of style. Her racing attire was characterized by its functional design and subtle elegance, making her a style icon in the racing world. Taylor’s ability to balance form and function in her wardrobe set her apart as a true fashion-forward racer. Wouldn't she be a knockout in the 'Dangerous Curves' Jacket with the navy 'Dangerous Curves' Pencil Skirt?  Or perhaps the 'D'Amour' Contrast Collar Dress in navy! 

 Anita Taylor: Image Courtesy of Classic Yorkshire

Legacy and Impact: Fast, Fabulous, and Fashionable

The influence of these fashionable female racers extends beyond their victories on the track. They demonstrated that one could be both stylish and competent, challenging the norms of their time and paving the way for future generations of women in motorsport. Today, female racers continue to draw inspiration from these trailblazers, combining functionality with fashion as they make their mark in the racing world.

As we look back, we celebrate not only the achievements of these incredible women but also their ability to bring a touch of glamour to the gritty world of racing. Their legacy showcases the power of combining passion, skill, and personal style – a winning combination that never goes out of fashion.

So here’s to Helle Nice, Pat Moss, Denise McCluggage and all the other fabulous female drivers of their time. They weren’t just racers; they were pioneers, game-changers, and absolute legends. Their stories continue to inspire us to chase our dreams, break barriers, and, of course, put the pedal to the metal!

Join the Kittens of Kitten D'Amour as they try on 'Dangerous Curves' for you!

ADRIENNE KITTEN (BUST 114CM / WAIST 93CM / HIP 119CM / HEIGHT 169CM)

'Dangerous Curves' T-shirt (L):
Adrienne absolutely adores this top – it's her favorite design in the collection! She picked a size L for the perfect fit and loves how versatile it is. Adrienne can't wait to pair it with jeans, like she has here, the 'Dangerous Curves' Pencil Skirt, or even the ‘Dangerous Curves’ Classic Circle Skirt in navy. It's a total winner! 🎉✨👚

'Boston' Corset Jeans ( 14):
Can you ever go past a pair of Kitten D'Amour denim jeans? Adrienne sure can't! She loves rocking them on stage with the 'Vixens of Fall' and, well... all the time! The 'Boston Corset' Jeans in a size 14 are perfect, skimming her fabulous curves most delightfully. They're a must-have in her wardrobe! 😍👖🎶

'Dangerous Curves' Boiler Suit (14): 
Oh Kittens, this design is just too cool! Adrienne is head over heels for the 'Dangerous Curves' Boiler Suit. She loves how the silhouette makes her feel svelte and curvy – the perfect blend! Wearing her usual size 14, it skims over her curves perfectly. And those sleeves were so comfortable, not at all tight! 😍✨👗

‘Dangerous Curves’ Bomber Jacket (14):
Kittens, the 'Dangerous Curves' Bomber Jacket is going to fly off the shelves – mark my words! This jacket is comfy, cozy, and effortlessly cool! Adrienne rocked the size 14 for these photos but is thinking about sizing down to a 12 for that extra-snug fit. Don’t miss out on this fabulous piece! 😍

‘Dangerous Curves’ Top (14):
The 'Dangerous Curves' Top is the perfect match for your navy 'Kitten D'Amour' pieces! Adrienne, a big fan of the pinup-style illustrations in this print, knows this top will be on high rotation in her wardrobe. Bustier Kittens, rejoice! No need to size up – this design has plenty of room for your bosoms. Adrienne wore her regular size 14 and felt fabulous! 😍👚✨

‘Dangerous Curves’ Pencil Skirt (14):
Adrienne is rocking a size 14 in the 'Dangerous Curves' Pencil Skirt and feeling utterly fabulous! She loves how it allows her to move with ease while maintaining that perfect wiggle silhouette. Just a quick tip from Adrienne: remember to shimmy your wiggle up a bit when sitting down, as the fabric doesn’t have much give. This little trick will help ease the pressure on the seams. Get ready to turn heads in this stunning skirt! ✨

‘Dangerous Curves’ Full Dress (14): 
Adrienne Kitten felt absolutely flirty and fabulous in the 'Dangerous Curves' Full Dress! The sleeves fit her arms perfectly, which she was thrilled about! She couldn’t resist twirling on the footpath, causing quite a stir we must say! Adrienne wore her usual size 14 and found it to be another perfect fit.

Get ready to spin and sparkle in this gorgeous dress! 💃✨👗

KERRYN KITTEN (BUST: 95CM / WAIST: 80CM / HIP: 107CM / HEIGHT: 168CM)

‘Dangerous Curves’ Full Dress (10):
Oh Kittens, I’ve been eagerly awaiting this dress, and it did not disappoint!  I slipped into my usual size 10, and it fit like a dream. The sleeves, which can sometimes be tricky for me, were absolutely perfect! 🙌

I added a petticoat for that extra fullness, and let me tell you, this dress is definitely coming home with me! 

‘Dangerous Curves’ Garage Shirt (12):
Normally, I wear a size 10 in shirts, but for this fabulous design, you’ll definitely want to size up because she’s tight! I thought I could just pull it over my head (those buttons are a gorgeous feature, but my nails are long!), This shirt is super-fitted though, so it definitely requires buttoning. However, it’s perfect for showing off those curves, right? 😉

I absolutely adore this top and know it’ll pair beautifully with so many pieces in my Kitten D’Amour wardrobe. It’s definitely going in my cart! Just remember, size up – trust me on this one! ✨

‘Dangerous Curves’ Wiggle Skirt (12):
Well, these hips don’t lie – they need a size 12 when it comes to a wiggle skirt!  I absolutely love how this skirt emphasizes my curves even more than a typical wiggle skirt. Maybe it’s the artful shaping of that print panel in the front! Size 12 is my go-to for wiggles, and this one fits like a dream. There isn’t much room to move, but that’s why we call it a wiggle!

I’m torn between the full skirt and the wiggle skirt, which is why I’ll probably end up with… both! 😉

‘Dangerous Curves’ Full Skirt (10):
Oh yes, this is the perfect skirt to pair with the Garage Shirt!  I’m usually a size 10 in a full skirt, and this one is no exception – the size 10 fits perfectly. I absolutely adore this skirt, and guess what, Kittens? It has pockets! Hurray! 🎉

D’Amour Contrast Collar Dress (10):
Oh, be still my beating heart – this is the perfect dress! Classic, flattering, it has everything! I always crave a touch of nautical, and this dress takes me there and beyond. I almost feel like I need two – never underestimate the power of a backup!

MANDIE KITTEN (BUST 100CM / WAIST 80CM / HIPS 108CM / HEIGHT: 168 CM)

‘Dangerous Curves’ Wiggle Dress (12):
Mandie, knowing her curves deserve a perfect fit, sized up to a 12 in the fabulous ‘Dangerous Curves’ Wiggle Dress. It’s ideal for wiggling, and she couldn't get enough of the cute bustle on the back! This design is the ultimate showstopper, finishing the look with a touch of playful elegance. Perfect for those who love to embrace their curves and make a statement!

‘Dangerous Curves’ Bomber Jacket (10):
Mandie opted for a size 10 in the ‘Dangerous Curves’ Bomber Jacket but feels she could have sized down to an 8 for that extra-snug fit. This jacket quickly became Mandie's favourite – and it's easy to see why! It's stylish, versatile, and oh-so-cozy! 

‘Dangerous Curves’ Top (10):
Wearing a size 10, this ‘Dangerous Curves’ Top fits Mandie like a dream! The collar detail adds the perfect finishing touch to this fabulous design. It’s chic, stylish, and oh-so-flattering – a must-have for any Kitten! 

‘Dangerous Curves’ Classic Skirt (12):
Mandie decided she wanted a bit more room in this timeless navy skirt and sized up to a 12. Perfect choice, Mandie! This classic piece is both stylish and comfy – a must-have for any wardrobe, especially for those who love a bit of elegance with their curves. Perfect for any occasion, whether it's a day at the office or a weekend outing! 

‘Dangerous Curves’ T-Shirt (M):
Mandie picked a size M in this fabulous ‘Dangerous Curves’ T-Shirt! With just the right amount of stretch and stunning embroidered details, this top is both comfortable and beautiful. It’s a perfect blend of style and ease, making it a wardrobe favourite for sure!

‘Dangerous Curves’ Pencil Skirt (12):
Mandie embraced her fabulous curves by sizing up to a 12 in this ‘Dangerous Curves’ Pencil Skirt! Perfect for those with curvy hips, this classy and classic wiggle skirt is an absolute must-have for any Kitten. Stylish and flattering, it's the ideal piece to make you feel confident and chic!

KAY KITTEN (BUST: 79CM / WAIST: 65.5CM / HIP: 91CM / HEIGHT: 172CM) 

‘Dangerous Curves’ Top (4): and ‘Dangerous Curves’ Classic Skirt (4):
Kay Kitten wanted to LIVE in this outfit. She didn’t want to take it off. The only way she’d part with the ‘Dangerous Curves’ Top and Full Skirt was if you pried it from her cold, dead hands. She found that by styling it with the ‘Dangerous Curves’ Scarf as a headband, the entire outfit came together and looked insanely flattering.

Kay wore her usual size 4 in both the ‘Dangerous Curves’ Top and ‘Dangerous Curves’ full skirt in Navy. She found that unlike the Garage shirt, there was extra room in the bust, so if you happened to be a busty kitten, Kay recommends taking your usual size for this design! 

'Dangerous Curves' Boiler Suit (4): 
Kay Kitten wears her usual size 4 in both the ‘Dangerous Curves’ Boiler Suit and the ‘D’Amour’ Contrast Dress in Navy.

Being a tall(ish) Kitten, Kay notes that the Boiler Suit comes to just above her ankle, which is perfect for showing off your fabulous Kitten heels! She loves the embroidery and the complementary cream and burgundy stripes on the shoulder. For a more modest look, she recommends layering the ‘Dangerous Curves’ Singlet underneath.

D’Amour Contrast Collar Dress (4):
Last but not least, Kay’s favourite design: the ‘D’Amour’ Contrast Dress in Navy. This is the most versatile outfit and the one Kay Kitten felt most confident in. My goodness, the way this dress catches the wind and flows (almost like having your very own Marilyn Monroe moment). 

“Trust me when I say this… this dress will flatter anyone” - Kay Kitten, 2:19 PM on Friday, July 26th, 2024. 

Oh! And... it has… POCKETS!