In April 1957, a seemingly innocuous evening at Romanoff's restaurant in Beverly Hills would etch itself into Hollywood history, thanks to a candid photograph of two notorious actresses: Sophia Loren and Jayne Mansfield. On that night, Loren was hosting a lavish dinner party dubbed "Welcome to Hollywood," attended by the crème de la crème of the film industry, including luminaries like Barbara Stanwyck, Montgomery Clift, Gary Cooper, and Shelley Winters. But it was the unexpected dynamic between Loren and Mansfield that would capture the attention of the cameras, leaving an indelible mark on pop culture.

Jayne Mansfield, who was just 24 at the time and had recently signed a lucrative seven-year contract with Warner Bros., arrived at the party intending to steal the spotlight. Author Eve Golden, who penned Jayne Mansfield: The Girl Couldn't Help It, notes that Mansfield sought to position herself as a rival to the already established star, Marilyn Monroe, who had been creating quite the stir at 20th Century Fox. With hits like The Girl Can't Help It (1956) and Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? (1957) under her belt, Mansfield was quickly cementing her status as a leading lady in Hollywood.

As the evening unfolded, Mansfield made a grand entrance enveloped in a voluminous fur coat. Once she removed the coat, her backless, extremely low-cut satin dress was designed to command attention, and it did just that. "She sauntered over and plumped herself right down next to Sophia Loren," Golden recounts. This act was not mere coincidence; it was executed with precision, demonstrating Mansfield's acute awareness of the media's fascination with her allure. As photographers Delmar Watson and Joe Shere snapped away, Mansfield posed confidently, while Loren was captured giving her now-famous side-eye, evidently transfixed by the striking display of cleavage next to her.

This iconic photograph has since become a defining image in Hollywood history, symbolizing the stark contrast between the two women: elegance versus bombast, European sophistication against American exuberance. Over the decades, entertainers like Heidi Klum, Anna Nicole Smith, Sydney Sweeney, and others have replicated the pose, reinforcing its cultural significance. Yet, it's essential to recognize the problematic undercurrents surrounding this image. It perpetuates the stereotype of female rivalry, suggesting that women in the entertainment industry are constantly pitted against each other.

Interestingly, Loren later reflected on that moment, clarifying that her gaze was more about concern than envy. In a 2014 interview with Entertainment Weekly, she candidly stated, "Look at the picture. Where are my eyes? I'm staring at her nipples because I am afraid they are about to come onto my plate. In my face you can see the fear." This revelation sheds light on the dynamics of that singular moment: rather than a rivalry, it was a brief encounter, and Loren was preoccupied with the potential wardrobe malfunction of her tablemate.

Amidst the flashbulbs and glamour, the photograph also captures a pivotal moment in both women's careers. While Loren's star continued to ascend, culminating in her winning an Academy Award for Best Actress for Two Women in 1960, Mansfield's career entered a downward spiral. After being dropped by 20th Century Fox in 1962, she was forced to take on unconventional jobs, such as operating supermarkets and gas stations, to support her family.

Tragically, Mansfield's life was cut short in a car accident at the young age of 34. On June 29, 1967, she was traveling from a night performance at a Mississippi supper club to a radio interview in New Orleans when her vehicle crashed. Golden reflects on Mansfield's vivid personality, noting that she thrived in the limelight and was often accompanied by paparazzi, making her one of the earliest examples of a reality star.

Despite their brief encounter, it’s evident that both women left a lasting impact on Hollywood. Mansfield, who often faced media scrutiny, helped pave the way for actresses who would come later, including Loren, Brigitte Bardot, and Claudia Cardinale. Loren has been approached countless times to sign the infamous photograph, but she consistently declines, citing respect for Mansfield's legacy. As the world continues to celebrate both actresses, their stories remind us of the complexities and challenges faced by women in the entertainment industry.

For those interested in delving deeper into Jayne Mansfield's life, her daughter Mariska Hargitay explores her mother's career in the documentary My Mom Jayne, available for streaming on Max.