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”
Category: Vintage Costume Blog
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”
Paul's KISS 