Actress, activist and aerobics icon: Jane Fonda does it all. The actress rose to fame throughout the 60s after starring in a series of iconic films including Pollack drama They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?, rom-com Barefoot in the Park and sci-fi romp Barbarella. During her 60s heyday, Jane also became involved in the Civil Rights Movement and the anti-Vietnam War movement and has remained one of Hollywood’s most politically-involved activists to this day. And did we mention that the Jane Fonda Workout became the best-selling VHS tape of the entire 20th century?
On camera, Jane is the face behind some of cinema’s most iconic looks. Think Barbarella all Paco Rabanne in sexy chain-mail and go-go boots. Or Klute’s Bree Daniels in short skirts and long jackets (and her signature shag). Off camera, Jane’s look is equally iconic, from her 60s mod era (swing coats and that blonde bouffant) to her androgynous 70s style. Here, to celebrate the actress’ birthday, we look back at some of her most iconic outfits of all time.
On the set of Barbarella, 1967
Jane Fonda rose to prominence in the 60s, starring in a string of successful films including Barefoot in the Park, They Shoot Horses Don’t They? and Barbarella. In the latter, a sci-fi flick based on a French comic series of the same name, Jane plays the titular space adventurer whose signature look — Paco Rabanne-inspired garb and a blonde bouffant — has become one of the most iconic and oft-referenced movie wardrobes of all time. Not to mention, its reboot will be starring Sydney Sweeney.
At the Venice Film Festival, 1967
Jane is a vision in white chiffon in this series of 1967 photos, snapped at a party for Venice Film Festival-goers.
Leaving Belvedere Hospital in Paris, 1968
Jane met French director Roger Vadim four years before the duo filmed Barbarella. A year later, the couple married and in 1968 welcomed their first child, a daughter, Vanessa. Here, Jane — husband Roger in tow — leaves Paris’ Belvedere Hospital just days after giving birth and looking très chic, at that, in a red swing coat and matching go-go boots.
In a mugshot, 1970
Jane is one of Hollywood’s most famous and most politically-involved activists. The actress became engaged in campaigns in support of the Civil Rights Movement and against the Vietnam War throughout the 60s. And, today, Jane is still advocating, for the environment and the LGBTQ+ community, among other causes. Here, Jane raises a defiant fist after having been arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking after returning home from an anti-war speaking tour in Canada.
On the set of Klute, 1971
In 1971, Jane starred in neo-noir thriller Klute, playing a call girl who gets wrapped up in a missing persons case. The role garnered Jane the Academy Award for Best Actress and made her into something of a fashion icon. The actress has stated that Klute is the most iconic costume film she’s done and its impact on fashion, from the 70s to now, is undeniable. Jane’s shag haircut and sleek, sexy look (think trench coats paired with miniskirts, thigh-high boots, and long sequinned dresses) came to define the era and continue to influence some of fashion’s biggest players, from Marc Jacobs to Vogue.
Reporting to the British Campaign for Peace in Vietnam Committee, 1971
In fact, many of the clothes Jane wore in Klute were the actress’ own. Her character’s signature miniskirt, sweater and thigh-high boots were pulled directly from Jane’s wardrobe, and the film’s iconic trench coat was actually a replica of one of her own, crafted by costume designer Ann Roth. Here, reporting to an anti-war committee meeting, Jane wears a very Klute-esque look: turtleneck, bell-bottoms and slick leather boots.
On the cover of Jane Fonda’s Workout, 1982
Actress, activist and… aerobics instructor? In the early 80s, Jane embarked on a third career with the launch of her wildly successful exercise video Jane Fonda’s Workout. And when we say wildly successful, we’re not kidding. The video game the best-selling VHS tape of the 20th century and is credited with starting the era’s fitness craze. Here, Jane poses on for the VHS’ cover shoot wearing a striped bodysuit and knitted leg warmers.