One of the first British socialites to grab the media’s focus for her wealth, luxurious lifestyle, and troubled private life was Barbara Woolworth Hutton.
Hutton, a wealth daughter, frequently made headlines for her lavish lifestyle and appearances in popular lines. She gained notoriety over her lavish apparel set, lengthy marriage history, and lavish spending almost all of her father’s inherited wealth.
Hutton’s album in New York’s higher world happened at her 18th birthday party, an extravagant celebration held at The Ritz- Carlton Hotel in 1930 during the. In response to Hutton’s increased celebrate during a severe economic slump, images of her wearing a debutante ball gown and diamond earrings flooded the news pages. To avoid the negative press, Hutton partially emigrated to Europe.
Seven Marriage Garments
Hutton wed Greek Prince Alexis Mdivani, who had fled to Paris after the Soviets invaded Georgia in 1921. On June 22, 1933, the meeting took place in Paris. Much sleeves, serious shoulders, and a long veil were all on display at Hutton in a silky white gown.
Two years after the meeting, after Mdivani had spent piece of Hutton’s estate, they divorced.
In 1935, Hutton married Count Kurt Heinrich Eberhard Erdmann Georg von Haugwitz- Hardenberg- Reventlow, with whom she had her sole baby, Lance Reventlow. For the service, the bride wore a black velvet gown, a headpiece and a leather jacket.
Hutton divorced Reventlow after three years of marriage, and in 1942, she exchanged vows with artist. She wore a white ruffled dress and a black coat dress with striped stripes for the marriage.
After divorcing Grant in 1945, the socialite had four more spouses: Prince Igor Troubetzkoy ( 1947 to 1951 ), Porfirio Rubirosa ( 1953 to 1954), Baron Gottfried Alexander Maximilian Walter Kurt von Cramm ( 1955 to 1959 ) and Pierre Raymond Doan ( 1964 to 1966 ).
The Romanov Jewels Mystery
Hutton had a sizable amount of jewelry in her possession, the majority of which she purchased from past Cartier Inc. president Jules Glaenzer. The Vladimir Tiara, which was based on emeralds that had been owned by Romanov Duchess Marie of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, is the most well-known item in her series.
Mecklenburg-Schwerin left Russia after the king was abolished in 1917 with a sizable jewelry set that she kept. During exile, she reportedly found her jewels with them in a underground vault at the Vladimir Palace.
After her death, Cartier sold the majority of the jewelry collection that the Duchess’ youngsters had sold. Queen Mary of England, Queen Elizabeth II, Elizabeth Taylor, and Hutton sold the jewelry in the set.
Hutton gave the pearls a golden metal body, giving them a different form. Later in life, she sold the crown to home Van Cleef & Arpels, which went on to buy the emeralds differently. The present owners of the Mecklenburg-Schwerin pearls remain a mystery.
Fashion Lover
Hutton had a reputation for being a devoted client, and he allegedly would permit her to violate one of his principal guidelines, which allowed her to purchase the entire collection at once.
The celebrity even had a crush on fashion designer Oleg Cassini, who described their relationship with Hutton in his 1987 book, “In My Own Fashion.”
Cassini claims that Cary Grant persuaded him to help him keep his union with Hutton. “He said, ‘Oleg, I understand Barbara thinks the world of you. You know, we are having difficulties. I hope you don’t have any personal interest in her because, to be honest, that would be a terrible blow to me. Then, if I can respect you, if I am sure there is no loving attention that, if I’m convinced you are a friend, I may ask you to complete me a favor – fight on my behalf. Get a negotiator. Kindly tell her to be affordable,'” the architect, who was married to Gene Tierney at the time, recalled in his guide.
“Poor Little Rich Girl”
Hutton’s story served as the inspiration for a 1987 factual television drama. In the movie “Poor Little Rich Girl: The Barbara Hutton Story,” Hutton describes her troubled relationships and the death of her only brother, who passed away in a plane crash in 1972.
The Barbara Hutton Story, “Poor Little Rich Girl: The Barbara Hutton Story,” was nominated for Best Miniseries or Television Film.
Barbara Hutton passed away at the Los Angeles Four Seasons Hotel at the age of 66.