Hollywood Costume by Dale McConathy and Diana Vreeland 1977. Gold and red brocade with a clear dust jacket. 318 pages.
I have loved this book ever since I found a copy languishing on a shelf at my university library years ago. I was first intrigued by the lovely red and gold brocade binding. Inside it is full of photographs and a wealth of information about he golden age of hollywood, starting from the earliest days of cinema. A few years later, I made one of my first ever online purchases. I’d scoured used bookstores on the off chance of finding my own copy. The library copy had long since lost it’s clear acetate dust jacket – a practical design feature that protects and displays the fabric cover.
Hollywood Costume by Dale McConathy and Diana Vreeland 1977. Gold and red brocade with a clear dust jacket. 318 pages.
The thick volume was published in 1977 in co-operation with the Metropolitan Museum of Fine Art in conjunction with an exhibit of costumes documenting the wardrobe used in film over the eras. There are lovely full colour photos from the exhibition, as well as stills and publicity shots from the films. Famous and lesser known garments worn in movies span the decades from the Vamps of the 1910s and 20s to the 1970s screen costumes contemporary to the book.
Sarah Bernhart costume from Camille (1912). Designed by Paul Poiret.
What I like about this book is the detailed information provided not only about the costumes themselves abut also about the designers, movie stars, and the industry itself.
The fully beaded dress designed by Adrian for The Bride Wore Red 1937 (the movie was shot in black and white). Worn by Joan Crawford.
The photos of course are worth it for the amazing detail put into so many of the pieces. It’s also pretty awesome to see clothes from black and white movies ‘in real life’ – bursting with colour.
Velvet cape with peacock feathers. Costume designed by Edith Head for Samson and Delilah 1949.
Some of the stories are heartbreaking, at least to a preservationist leaning costume enthusiast such as myself. The famous frocks and shoes seen by millions on the big screen that were lost to neglect or warehouse fires… including the famous barbecue dress from Gone with the Wind. That being said, it’s lucky that so many of these works of art have survived, and wonderful that they could be documented for future generations. Its easy to forget just how much creative and physical work went into something that may have only been seen for a few moments or a few seconds, or maybe only the actor who wore it.
The famous velvet drape dress from Gone with the Wind 1939. Designed by Walter Plunkett.
Details of Audrey Hepburn’s black and white gown from My Fair Lady 1964 (set in the Edwardian period). Designed by Cecil Beaton.
If you can find yourself a copy, and you are a costume nerd like me (or have an appreciation for old hollywood), I’d definitely recommend it. It probably won’t be cheap though, especially if you have to get it shipped – it weighs over 5lbs!
~ Heather
