The caption that came with the above black and white image was well-phrased: “Sophia Loren giving a disdainful ‘side eye’ to Jayne Mansfield’s dangerous décolletage.” Photo: PRNewswire / Regency Superior Auctions.

What was on the mind of Italian actress Sophia Loren (born September 1934) when this 1957 photo of her seated beside Jayne Mansfield (1933 to 1967) was taken?

The photo was taken during a party held for the then 22-year-old Loren by American film company Paramount Pictures. Mansfield, who was wearing a low neckline dress, sat down at the Italian movie star’s table.

Hollywood blonde bombshell Jayne Mansfield was said to be the last to arrive. Speaking of bombs, the American actress was wearing a low-cut satin dress that was literally described as something “about to explode”.

In 2014, Loren mentioned that she was worried that Mansfield’s dress would “blow [up]” and even told Entertainment Weekly that she was afraid that “something” would spill onto her plate, adding that this was the only photo that revealed how it was.

So did Loren give Mansfield the “evil eye”?

 

 

Well, no. Loren gave her the “side eye” for her extremely “dangerous décolletage”.

Richard Mille’s Tourbillon RM 26-02 Evil Eye counters potential evil eyes and is also for protecting oneself against those who literally come “bursting” (at the seams and) onto the scene with naughty intent. Limited to 25 pieces. Photo: © TANG Portfolio.

The “side eye” is a sideways glance that expresses disapproval and contempt and is less harmful than the “evil eye”.

It may have come 60 years later but it is still relevant – Richard Mille’s Tourbillon RM 26-02 Evil Eye to counter the potential evil eye and protect oneself against those who literally come “bursting” (at the seams and) onto the scene with naughty intent.