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Maggie Smith – A Legend in Fur

On September 27 2024, the film world lost an icon. Dame Maggie Smith was a revered British actress with a career spanning more than seven decades. Known for her versatility and sharp wit, she earned numerous awards, including two Academy Awards, five BAFTAs, and four Emmy Awards. She was equally celebrated for her dramatic roles in films like The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) and A Room with a View (1985), as well as for her comedic roles in more contemporary hits like the Harry Potter series, where she played Professor Minerva McGonagall, and the beloved TV series Downton Abbey as the sharp-tongued Dowager Countess of Grantham, Violet Crawley. Smith’s career began on the British stage in the 1950s, where her work with the Royal National Theatre helped her develop a reputation as one of Britain’s finest theatrical talents. Her ability to combine vulnerability with strength made her performances timeless, and her characters resonate widely across generations. She continues to inspire audiences and is celebrated for both her craft and her distinct, often dry humor that shines through in her public appearances as well.

Dame Maggie Smith’s style was the epitome of  sophistication and opulence, reflecting her British heritage and a timeless elegance. Whether on the red carpet or in character as the Dowager Countess in Downton Abbey, her wardrobe choices lean towards structured silhouettes, rich fabrics, and tasteful accessories. A characteristic element of her style was definitely her love for real fur garments that highlighted her star quality and elevated all her looks. In many of her public appearances throughout the years of her career, she was spotted wearing elegant fur coats, fur jackets, impressive fur stoles and fur accessories like fur collars, made usually by real fox fur. Maggie was a genuine fox fur lover and proved it in almost every appearance. Due to its exceptional texture and eye-catching appearance, fox fur garments were considered to be the most  popular choice among Hollywood celebrities like Smith. Let’s take a look at some of Smith’s most remarkable fashion moments of all time!

Maggie Smith redefined acting for her generation and beyond, showing that roles for women can be powerful, witty, complex, and timeless. She’s left a significant imprint on the cultural landscape that will endure, encouraging future actors to embrace versatility and longevity in their careers.  Maggie will always be remembered as a “true legend” of screen and she will continue to inspire us.