Zsa Zsa Gabor’s Favorite Leopard-Print Boots Outlasted 7 of Her 9 Marriages
Charlie Carballo
Executive Digital Director
Actress, socialite and style icon Zsa Zsa Gabor died today of a heart attack at 99 years old on Dec. 18 in 2016.
The Hungarian-born star was rushed to the hospital where she was pronounced dead, TMZ reported. She was survived by her ninth husband, Frédéric Prinz von Anhalt.
In 1952 she hit the big screen in four films — her only lead part was “Moulin Rouge.” Gabor’s contributions to the cinematic canon are relatively slim, and her resume is dominated by cameos and supporting roles.
Andy Warhol found inspiration in her for his 1957 “Crazy Golden Slippers” series, displayed at the former Bodley Gallery in New York City.
The artist created paintings of fantasy golden slippers that were named after the celebrities they represented, including Julie Andrews and Mae West. Warhol’s flashy reimagining of a French court-style golden slipper was aptly dubbed: “Zsa Zsa Gabor.”
Her marriages got as much attention as her career, too. She wed: Burhan Asaf Belge (1937 – 1941), Conrad Hilton (April 1942 – 1947), George Sanders (1949 – 1954), Herbert Hutner (1962 – 1966) Joshua S. Cosden, Jr. (1966 – 1967), Jack Ryan (1975 – 1976), Michael O’Hara (1976 – 1983) and Felipe de Alba (1983 – 1983).
Zsa Zsa remained married to Frédéric Prinz von Anhalt for 30 years (1986 – 2016) until her death. Her marriage to O’Hara in 1976 was the second longest in her history — seven years.
However, it seems that her love affair with shoes has been one of her most fulfilling relationships of all.
The other seven husbands didn’t manage to last longer than a pair of her beloved leopard print boots and matching coat, of which published photos reveal that she had for at least six years.
In photos taken in 1962 and later in 1968, Gabor beamed in the luxe companion pieces. The boots were mid-length and cut below the knee, and featured a round toe profile and around a 1.5-inch heel. Zebra prints were a part of her wardrobe, too, including a pair of double strap platform sandals designed with a red sole.
