Clara Bow
American · Early 20th century
American actress who rose to fame in the 1920s silent film era, known as Hollywood's original 'It Girl' after starring in the 1927 film 'It.' She was a self-avowed tomboy known for her vivacious screen presence and charisma.
Connection to Taylor Swift
Taylor names Clara Bow in the song's title and opening verse as the first in a generational chain of female celebrities. Taylor also dressed as Clara Bow at the 2024 Grammys when announcing The Tortured Poets Department, and replicated Bow's makeup and choker in a music video from the album.
Notable Works
- It (1927), Wings (1927), The Wild Party (1929)
Appears in the Archive
Context within the Archive
Clara Bow (silent-film 'It Girl' icon)
“You look like Clara Bow In this light, remarkable All your life, did you know You'd be picked like a rose?”
Taylor names Clara Bow directly in the song's title and opening verse, placing her first in a generational chain of women made and unmade by fame. Angela & Uncle Jerry discuss Bow as the original 1920s 'It Girl' and note Taylor dressed as her at the 2024 Grammys when announcing the album and replicated her look in a music video, signalling deliberate engagement with Bow as a figure rather than a passing name-drop.