The Back.
Vikki Dougan for LIFE Magazine,
1957
Dougan was a model, actress, and IT girl that became famous for her daring, extreme low-cut backless dresses.
Though she never achieved the lasting fame of Marilyn Monroe and other icons, she had her moment in the spotlight.
In the 1950s, Dougan scandalised conservative Hollywood with revealing backless dresses, deliberately contrasting the era's preference for busty stars like Jayne Mansfield.
In 1953, publicist Milton Weiss promoted the look to distinguish her from stars like Monroe, dubbing her "The Back."
Dougan had actually been modelling and acting for years before her back became the centre of attention.
The dresses became her signature, and in 1957 she made headlines at the Golden Globes in a daring backless gown. That same year, LIFE photographer Ralph Crane captured her in Los Angeles, with some images of her walking through Hollywood as men turned to look, cementing her nickname, "The Back."
The look, the motion, the sound. All your call.
MiniMax H3 just came to DaVinci.
Build up to 15 seconds of 2K video with native stereo sound, led by text, image, video, and audio references. Greater creative freedom.
One continuous process, all in DaVinci.
Jump in today🙌
The French pedicure is back – but with a fresh, modern vibe. Here’s all the inspiration you need and tips for how to create the look at home this summer.