Author: MPG

Adrian & Crawford – Part 2 – Shouldering Success

The success of – Letty Lynton – 1932 and Grand Hotel– 1932, moved Joan Crawford into the category of A list superstar. Grand Hotel proved Joan could measure up to acting talents such as John Barrymore and Garbo. It is not surprising that a serious role, in a well known work would be her next venture. Continue reading “Adrian & Crawford – Part 2 – Shouldering Success”

Adrian & Crawford – Shouldering Success – Part 1

Hollywood costumer designer Gilbert Adrian once stated “Who would have thought that my entire reputation as a designer would rest on Joan Crawford’s shoulders?!” Perhaps an overstatement and a bid at modesty by the celebrated designer but not entirely untrue. Considering the partnership of Adrian and Joan Crawford is so extensive and relevant in terms of both cinema and fashion, welcome to Part 1 of 3 in this series. Continue reading “Adrian & Crawford – Shouldering Success – Part 1”

Norma’s Nightgowns

Canadian born actress Norma Shearer was one of Hollywood’s most important and successful film star’s of the 1930’s. For the past few decades, film buff’s tended to remember her as the noble and suffering Mary Haines in The Women 1939. However, viewing Norma’s films (particularly her pre-code films prior to 1934) on DVD and broadcast on TCM, has led film historians to reevaluate her contributions and significance. Continue reading “Norma’s Nightgowns”

Adrian and Garbo

Greta Garbo was not happy with the clothes she wore in her first few American films. The Torrent and The Temptress (1926) – They were overdone affair’s with odd mixes of graphic pattern, fur, lace and embroideries. Very much a “more is more” philosophy which stood in sharp contrast to Garbo’s low key acting style and controlled movements. Continue reading “Adrian and Garbo”

Adrian – One Note Wonder

Seeing Eva Marie Saint present the Award for  Best Costume  Design at this years Oscar Ceremony and her brief mention of the talented and eight time Oscar winner Edith Head reminded me of how much Hollywood has influenced modern fashion. The best red carpet looks nod to Hollywoods past, combined with an update to current fashion. Countless runway exits reference the “movies”. As we say in the fashion industry, nothing is “new” and everything is a remix of the past. Continue reading “Adrian – One Note Wonder”

Way Bandy, Mom, An Egg and Designing Your Face

Everyone is doing facial masks, as well as selfying themselves wearing one, whether the mask is clay, peel-off, cream etc. I have been doing facial masks since I was a teenager, Back then, whether you were male or female, one would go into hiding for 30 minutes lest being discovered participating in such a vanity. I’m including one of myself for this blog and it will be my last and only “facial selfie”. I promise. Continue reading “Way Bandy, Mom, An Egg and Designing Your Face”

Jewelry, Miracles, and Me.

I enjoy jewelry. I wear rings, thin neck chains, cufflinks, and watches.  I appreciate vintage jewelry. Most significant are pieces which have emotional connection, history and have a dimension beyond being merely adornment.

Aside from jewelry I have inherited, and my wedding band, some of my favorite pieces are designed by my talented and gracious friend Mary Jo Pane. MJP’s aptly named collection, Miracle Icons by Mary Jo Pane, uses antique and vintage religious icons to create one of kind necklaces and bracelets. Continue reading “Jewelry, Miracles, and Me.”

Worst Men’s 2017 Fashion Trends

Let’s discuss what trends to avoid for Fall 2017. Some of these are worse than others. I have listed them from bearable to horrible. Actually, other than the first one, which can be acceptable if executed properly, the rest are definite NO’s. Continue reading “Worst Men’s 2017 Fashion Trends”