Known for her iconic bombshell image, from that famed red swimsuit to leather corsets, Pamela Anderson has made many fashion statements over the years.
A 90s trailblazer, the actress, 57, helped to define a decade with many of her looks been recreated time and time again.
But, 2023 became a banner year for the sex symbol, who released her memoir Love, Pamela and starred in the documentary Pamela, A Love Story.
The projects allowed her to discuss her life with searing candour, baring her soul about a number of traumatic events, including her history of sexual assault and the sex tape scandal that made her infamous around the world.
Pamela, who recently opened up on battling ‘depression for a couple of decades,’ has also spoken out about her Hepatitis C diagnosis and PTSD.
Another turning point saw her go makeup-free for her appearance at Paris Fashion Week, following the death of her makeup artist and long-time friend Alexis Vogel in 2019, in a bid to ‘stop chasing her youth.’
Known for her iconic bombshell image, from that famed red swimsuit to leather corsets, Pamela Anderson has made many fashion statements over the years (pictured this week)
A 90s trailblazer, she helped define a decade with many of her looks been recreated time and time again (pictured in Baywatch in 1992)
Alexis help to mould Pam into a phenomenon, ‘Baby Bardot’ as she liked to call her, the makeup artist shaped the Playboy model into a ‘retro sex kitten, making it my own – and her own look,’ she told MailOnline.
Debuting a new look, Pam insisted she is going to ‘accept’ herself for who she is and has received praise from fans for ‘aging gracefully.’
After spending the past three decades in the spotlight playing fictional characters like Casey Jean ‘C.J.’ Parker and Barb in the 1996 distopic sci-fi action film Barb Wire, the icon, who many still view as the archetypal blonde bombshell, has opened up about her current journey of self-discovery.
And as she marks another height in her long showbiz career, MailOnline takes a look at Pam’s most iconic outfits, health battles and defining moments.
1992: Baywatch swimsuit
Arguably Pamela’s most iconic ever look, and the reason she shot to fame, came when she was cast a C.J. Parker in the hit 1990s series Baywatch
Arguably Pamela’s most iconic ever look, and the reason she shot to fame, came when she was cast a C.J. Parker in the hit 1990s series Baywatch.
But in a new interview with Glamour, she admitted she had ‘never been’ totally self-assured in her own skin, until now.
‘I’m lucky because I’ve never really had to worry about my weight or anything like that, but I just… [have] never been 100% confident,’ she explained.
‘I feel like 1728481138 it’s the first time in my life where I feel like if I’m wearing a bathing suit… I feel fine about myself. It’s so freeing.’
1992: White T-shirt and denim shorts
A plunging white t-shirt with denim cut-off shorts and black cowboy boots, this casual look proved timeless
A plunging white T-shirt with denim cut-off shorts and black cowboy boots, this casual look proved timeless.
When Pamela attended the Hollywood All-Stars Charity Baseball Game on August 22, 1992, she opted for a casual look.
This year, up-cycling label Re/Done released 25 pieces based on Pam’s early laid-back Californian style, with this look featuring.
‘I’m thrilled to share my fun little blend of Vancouver Island farm style and OG Malibu vibes with Re/Done’, Pam said on her Instagram.
‘Our collection is bringing back some of my favourites—baby tees, onesies, jeans and tie tops…new and improved. From top to bottom, this collection is fully sustainable and made with love. Enjoy.’
1994: Versace safety pin gown
For the CCAM Awards in Sydney, Australia in December 1994 Pamela wore one of Versace’s iconic safety pin dresses
For the CCAM Awards in Sydney, Australia in December 1994 Pamela wore one of Versace’s iconic safety pin dresses.
Paired with tousled hair, a smokey eye and a long French manicure, she embodied everything that the 90s was famed for.
Donatella Versace first made Liz Hurley famous with her iconic safety pin dress when she wore it to the Four Weddings And A Funeral premiere in 1994 – with the black cut-out gown having a huge impact on 90s culture.
1995: Barb Wire leather corsets
As synonymous with Pam as the Baywatch swimsuit, the 1990s black leather corset she wore for the 1996 film Barb Wire is another notable look
In the lead up to the release of the superhero film, the actress not only channeled her character’s outfits but also wore several of her costumes during the 1995 Cannes Film Festival
As synonymous with Pam as the Baywatch swimsuit, the 1990s black leather corset she wore for the 1996 film Barb Wire is another notable look.
In the lead up to the release of the American superhero film, the actress not only channeled her character’s outfits but also wore several of her costumes during the 1995 Cannes Film Festival.
Featuring a plunging lace-up front and halterneck, the daring piece has been recreated many times over the years, by celebrities and fans alike.
When Hulu mini-series Pam and Tommy was released last year, Lily James was seen in the leather corset for the first look sneak peak, as she transformed into Pam.
Kendall Jenner also dressed up as the pin-up for Halloween in 2020, working Barb’s leather bodysuit and thigh-high boots as she hopped upon a motorcycle.
1995: Oversized baseball shirt
Nothing says the 90s quite like an oversized sport T-shirt and backwards baseball cap
Playing at MTV’s Rock n’ Jock in 1995, Pam channeled the decades hip hop fashion trend, wearing a baggy jersey over a cropped bra top and cycling shorts
Nothing says the 90s quite like an oversized sport T-shirt and backwards baseball cap.
Playing at MTV’s Rock n’ Jock in 1995, Pam channeled the decades hip hop fashion trend, wearing a baggy jersey over a cropped bra top and cycling shorts.
Teamed with a pair of circular sunglasses and classic Adidas trainers, the BayWatch star made sure to make a fashion statement while playing at the sixth annual game at Blair Field stadium, Long Beach, California.
1995: Pink latex mini dress
Another iconic look is Pam’s famed pink and burgundy latex minidress which she wore to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas Grand Opening Party in 1995 (pictured with Tommy Lee)
Another look that has been created time and time again is Pam’s famed pink and burgundy latex minidress which she wore to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas Grand Opening Party in 1995.
More than two decades later all eyes were on Megan Fox and fiancé Machine Gun Kelly as they dressed as one of the most iconic couples of the 90s at the star-studded Casamigos Halloween Party in Beverly Hills.
While rocking a wavy blonde wig and plunging minidress, the actress transformed into Pam, while MGK mirrored Tommy.
In 2022, Former Little Mix singer also recreated her own version of the couple’s costume with her with pal Noah Sapon for Halloween.
1998: The ‘lowest point’ in her life, sex tape and divorce from Tommy Lee
Pamela and Tommy wed in 1995 in Mexico, had two kids together, and divorced in 1998 after she claimed spousal abuse (Pamela, Tommy and their son, Brandon pictured in 1997)
Their relationship suffered a hit when their sex tape was stolen and leaked – which Pamela suggests was the catalyst for why they ultimately split up and gave her PTSD (pictured in 1997)
Pamela and Tommy wed in 1995 in Mexico after knowing each for a short time, had two kids together, and divorced in 1998 after she claimed spousal abuse.
‘Tommy ripped Brandon off me and threw me and Dylan into a wall,’ she claimed. She called 911 and Lee was arrested. He reportedly served six months in jail for ‘felony spousal abuse.’
‘The divorce from Tommy was the hardest, lowest, most difficult point of my life,’ Pamela wrote in her book.
‘I was crushed. I still couldn’t believe that the person I loved the most was capable of what had happened that night. We were both devastated, but I had to protect my babies.’
Their relationship suffered a hit when their sex tape was stolen and leaked – which Pamela suggests was the catalyst for why they ultimately split up.
She made the tape with the drummer during a 1995 vacation to Lake Mead, a reservoir formed by the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River in the Southwestern United States.
‘It ruined lives, starting with our relationship – and it’s unforgivable that people, still to this day, think they can profit from such a terrible experience, let alone a crime,’ Pamela shared in her memoir.
The Barb Wire actress recently told CBS: ‘Those tapes were not meant for anybody else to see.’
She was so hurt over the tape being leaked she hinted she would have taken her life if she had not been a mom.
Pamela said that it was so ‘hurtful’ that someone would take their private tape that she never had the courage to look at it.
She said the tape was just meant to be innocent fun between two happy people.
‘We were two crazy naked people in love,’ she told host Jim Axelrod.
Pamela now confesses she’s ‘made peace’ with the hell-raiser and is looking back at their relationship more fondly.
1999: Pink feathered hat
Attending the MTV Video Music Awards at Lincoln Center in New York City in 1999, Pam walked the red carpet in a pink feathered hat by Ivy Supersonic
She told Vogue: ‘I don’t think any stylist would have let me walk out of the house that way. I just put that pink hat on, those sparkly pants, and a corset. Tommy did my make up’
Attending the MTV Video Music Awards at Lincoln Center in New York City in 1999, Pam walked the red carpet in a pink feathered hat by Ivy Supersonic, teamed with a corset and sequinned trousers.
Speaking in with Vogue last year, Pam said: ‘Back then, everyone was making fun of me, and I was just having a ball. I didn’t have a stylist, I didn’t have anybody. I was talking to Simon (Porte Jacquemus) when I was in Paris just a few weeks ago, and he says, “Please tell me who styled you for when you went to the MTV VMAs?”
‘I’m like, “Styled me? I don’t think any stylist would have let me walk out of the house that way. I just put that pink hat on, those sparkly pants, and a corset.
‘It took me five minutes. Tommy did my make up, and I was out the door. This was just pure fun.’
2002: Diamanté crop top and skirt
Arriving to the 29th Annual American Music Awards with her then-boyfriend Kid Rock, Pamela dazzled in a chainmail rhinestone crop top and matching skirt
The daring look featured a cowl neckline and backless design, while the skirt was slit from the ground all the way up her waist
Arriving to the 29th Annual American Music Awards with her then-boyfriend Kid Rock, Pamela dazzled in a chainmail rhinestone crop top and matching skirt.
The daring look featured a cowl neckline and backless design, while the skirt was slit from the ground all the way up her waist.
In classic 90s style she completed the risqué ensemble with curled hair, silver smoky eyeshadow and a pale nude lipstick.
2002: Hepatitis C battle
Pamela revealed in 2002 that she had contracted Hepatitis C by sharing a tattoo needle with ex-husband Tommy Lee
Pamela revealed in 2002 that she had contracted Hepatitis C by sharing a tattoo needle with ex-husband Tommy Lee.
The model, whose barbed-wire tattoo rings her left arm, said in a statement she has been undergoing outpatient treatment for the disease at the University of California, Los Angles Medical Center.
‘I contracted Hepatitis C while sharing a tattoo needle with my ex-husband Tommy Lee,’ she said. ‘Tommy has the disease and never disclosed it to me during our marriage.’
Hepatitis C is a virus that results in inflammation, then scarring of the liver, a condition known as cirrhosis. In 20 percent of cases, the virus ultimately leads to liver failure and death.
She was cured of the disease in 2015.
2014: Pixie cut
In 2014, Pamela walked the red carpet at the Haiti Home Gala with a new pixie hair cut
In 2014, Pamela walked the red carpet at the Haiti Home Gala with a new pixie hair cut, a far cry from the long blonde locks for which she had always been known.
Posing for photos at Montage Hotel in Los Angeles, she wore a pink fitted mini dress with a plunging neckline.
‘I got a haircut,’ Pamela giggled as she sat down to chat with Ellen Degeneres days after she ran the New York City marathon to raise money for charity.
‘I just thought my hair had had a life and I kind of wanted to put that behind me and start fresh,’ she explained
‘And I also thought it would be good for the marathon.’ Pamela ran the marathon in five hours and 41 minutes.
2018: Toned-down Chanel look
Pamela showed off her new toned-down style at Chanel’s Spring/Summer 2019 women’s ready-to-wear collection show during Paris Fashion Week in 2018
Pamela showed off her new toned-down style at Chanel’s Spring/Summer 2019 women’s ready-to-wear collection show during Paris Fashion Week in 2018.
The model dressed head-to-toe in the French fashion house, teamed a classic bouclé jacket with a match knee-length skirt.
She layered a frilled blouse underneath and boosted her height with a pair of ultra-classic dual-toned heels.
2019: Death of make-up artist Alexis Vogel
In 2023, Pam revealed she began embracing her natural beauty after the death of her makeup artist Alexis Vogel, who passed away from breast cancer in 2019 (pictured together)
In 2023, Pam revealed the reason why she’s begun embracing her natural beauty while speaking to ELLE.
She told the outlet that her perspective on beauty changed after the death of her makeup artist Alexis Vogel, who passed away from breast cancer in 2019.
‘[Alexis] was the best. And since then, I just felt, without Alexis, it’s just better for me not to wear makeup,’ Pamela explained.
After meeting Pamela, then a young actress and model, on the set of a Playboy cover shoot, make-up artist Alexis knew just what she had to do.
‘I’d heard about her, she’d been on Home Improvement and she’d just started on Baywatch, but she didn’t really have her image – she was a baby’, Alexis told MailOnline in 2014.
‘She was pretty fresh-faced, but I wanted to give her more of an image. I really, really loved Bridget Bardot, that sex kitten with perfect features, but of course, this was of course a retro version, making it my own – and her own look.’
That August 1993 cover was Pamela’s famous photoshoot with Dan Aykroyd in the guise of his SNL Conehead character Beldar. But it was the only the start of a 21-year friendship between Pamela and Alexis.
Pamela told Alexis, then working on Playboy cover shoots and editorial: ‘I have to have you do my make-up every day for the rest of my life!’
By November 1994 – Pamela’s next Playboy cover – she was a bleach-blonde vamp.
Alexis said: ‘The rest is history, she’s been very loyal, we’ve been loyal to each other. We have a very, very close friendship, we’re like best friends. After all these years of working together and in all kinds of conditions, it’s been a non-stop wonderful ride.’
‘Sometimes we go really sexy and sometimes we don’t, sometimes it’s more dramatic, smoky eyes or cat eyes,’ Alexis says: ‘We just did a gorgeous all black and white Marilyn Monroe inspired shoot with her shorter hair. We call the main look ‘Baby Bardot’ and we have little names for all the other looks.’
2023: Make-up free
Pam first went makeup free when she attended The Row runway show at Paris Fashion Week in September 2023
Pam first went makeup free when she attended The Row runway show at Paris Fashion Week in September 2023.
The actress cut a sophisticated figure as she donned a black oversized pinstripe suit to the event, which she wore over a white shirt buttoned up to the top.
Pamela said of her new minimal make-up and self-dyed blonde waves: ‘This is a new chapter in my life and, I don’t know, natural beauty still takes two hours in front of a mirror.’
2024: Elegant caped mint gown
Attending the 2024 Glamour Women of the Year in New York City this week, Pamela further discussed her choice to ditch makeup
‘You’re going to hit a crossroads in your fifties, and you go, “Am I going to chase youth? Am I going to be miserable? Or am I going to be self-accepting?”‘ she said
Attending the 2024 Glamour Women of the Year in New York City this week, Pamela further discussed her choice to ditch makeup.
She looked incredible in a caped mint gown with a sheer sparkling neckline at the event, held at Times Square EDITION Hotel, once again going makeup free.
In an interview with Glamour, she said: ‘I’ve just done it and I’ve played with it.
‘I’ve nothing against makeup, but I felt like it just looked better on me in my twenties than it did now.
‘You’re going to hit a crossroads in your fifties, and you go, “Am I going to chase youth? Am I going to be miserable? Or am I going to be self-accepting?”‘
2024: Pamela reveals she had ‘depression for a couple of decades’
Pamela admitted she had depression for ‘a couple of decades’ while attending the Zurich Film Festival this week
Pamela admitted she had depression for ‘a couple of decades’ while attending the Zurich Film Festival this week.
The actress was at the festival to present her new film The Last Showgirl, and he also accepted the Golden Eye Award at the Swiss film festival.
She revealed that she was happy to still be working and to receive this award, before admitting her early bouts with depression.
‘I look at it now and it feels like I went from ‘Baywatch’ to Broadway. I don’t know what happened in between, it’s all a big blur,’ she began.
‘I am just happy to be here, in this moment, because I think I have had depression for a couple of decades.
‘I never thought I would be on stage, receiving an award like that. I just want to keep working. I am excited to do more.
‘I don’t think I could have played this character (in The Last Showgirl) if I wouldn’t have the life that I had, so it was worth it. If I can continue working and using these struggles and challenges… I’ll feel blessed.
‘I tried to go back to things that happened in my childhood. I could ‘smell’ my house, cigarettes and alcohol, and it was important to look at all that. I was trying to get my power back. I bought the house of my grandmother and I repainted and rewrote my life,’ she said.
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