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Despite being a name recognized by few, Hedy Lamarr’s invention during WW2 deserves boundless appreciation and recognition. The actress and inventor’s work laid the foundations for some of the modern world’s most appreciated commodities such as WiFi, GPS, and Bluetooth. In an era plagued by gender inequality and sexism, the natural beauty’s intellectual merits were often overlooked.
Born in Austria to an affluent family, she received constant attention as the only child. Her father, a successful banker, was hugely influential in nourishing the girl’s inventive genius. During their walks, the pair would discuss the intricacies of complex machinery such as the printing press and automobiles. Her artistic talents were the result of her mother, a concert pianist with a fondness for the arts.
On account of her attractiveness and outgoing personality, a young Lamarr was soon scouted as a potential actress and undertook acting lessons. Her on-screen career saw her star in popular feature films Samson and Delilah and White Cargo.
Despite it being unsuccessful, her marriage to Austrian munitions manufacturer Fritz Mandl gave her some insight into wartime arms and helped pave the way for her future creations. Meeting the second love interest of her life, businessman and pilot Howard Hughes further helped her hone her inventive spirit. Hughes gave her tours of the airplane manufacturing plants he owned which gave young Lamarr extensive insight into their workings.
In 1940, Lamarr met George Antheil, a fellow inventor who shared her creative disposition. With war almost inevitable as a result of increasingly brazen actions by Hitler’s Germany and Mussolini’s Italy, much of their talk centered around the looming conflict. The pair eventually masterminded a pioneering new communication system. Their Secret Communication System broadcasted over 88 different channels rather than just one, making it almost impossible to decode without prior knowledge about which channels would be used.
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The One Clothing Item You Need Most
It was a big deal in the '90s, but it has never gone out of style. What are we talking about? The little black dress, of course, or LBD, as it is known. It is the one piece of clothing that you can dress up or tone down for any occasion desired - a big work meeting? Throw a smart jacket over it and add some boots or court shoes. A wedding? Add some bling and maybe a faux fur cape, along with some sparkly pumps. Girl’s night out? Your leather jacket will look great with it. It is versatile, smart casual, and more dependable than any partner you’ve had.
The right LBD will make you feel amazing. The fit should always show off your best assets, and then it will adapt to any of the occasions you need it to.
Check out any big star and you’ll have seen them rock an LBD - Swifty? Check. Britney Spears? Check. Dua Lipa - yes. These ladies ooze confidence when they are wearing their LBD. In fact, they probably have a few to pull out of their closet when required.
You can too. Look through thrift and vintage stores and you’re bound to find an LBD that you know you can pull out of the closet any time you need it. Nicole Kidman recently sang that “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend,” but actually it’s the LBD.
While the LBD is versatile and made for any occasion (yes, even funerals - don oversized sunglasses to hide your tears, and a trench coat to honor the moment) don’t overdo it. Perhaps just wear it once a week, and don’t wear it with the same group of people twice in a row, just so you can extend its effect.
