On the first day of Christmas, Hollywood gave to me:
The fashion show sequence of 1925's "The Dressmaker from Paris". Travis Banton's first assignment as movie costume designer at Paramount.
On the second day of Christmas, Hollywood gave to me:
The exquisitely beaded gown worn by Swedish newcomer, Greta Garbo, in her second American film role as "The Temptress", 1926. Costume design: Andre-ani and Max Ree.
On the third day of Christmas, Hollywood gave to me:
"IT", 1927. Clara Bow as the personification of writer Elinor Glyn's euphemism for sex appeal. Clara's collegial but amazingly classic skirt, sweater and beret by Travis Banton.
On the fourth day of Christmas, Hollywood gave to me:
MGM's first lady and superstar, Norma Shearer, all decked out in head to toe stylish 1920s sportswear.
On the fifth day of Christmas, Hollywood gave to me:
Joan Crawford, in 1928s "Our Dancing Daughters", a movie so popular that it started a franchise. Joan's risqué beaded Charleston dress--seen here from every angle--by the great Adrian.
On the sixth day of Christmas, Hollywood gave to me:
Jean Harlow circa 1930. The original platinum blonde wearing white satin as only she could...
On the seventh day of Christmas, Hollywood gave to me:
Carole Lombard's 1932 potboiler "No Man of Her Own" co-starring a future man of her own: Clark Gable. Lombard's bias cut gown by Travis Banton, featured a fur-trimmed wrap with cascading sash.
On the eighth day of Christmas, Hollywood gave to me:
A costume more famous than its infamous, lawsuit-plagued and never released film. Joan Crawford wears Adrian's organdy ruffled confection. This dress from 1932s ultra-stylish "Letty Lynton" sold thousands of copies at the height of the Great Depression.
On the ninth day of Christmas, Hollywood gave to me:
Kay Francis literally sparkles in Orry-Kelly's gown of liquid silver for the steamy Pre-Code film, "Mandalay" 1934.
On the tenth day of Christmas, Hollywood gave to me:
1937s "Angel" is a fashion must-see. The wardrobe by Travis Banton for Marlene Dietrich IMHO, has never been equaled. Below, lace jabot and cuffs finish off a classic pant suit which could be worn today.
On the eleventh day of Christmas, Hollywood gave to me:
No designer used gingham with such elan as Adrian. For Katharine Hepburn as socialite Tracy Lord in "The Philadelphia Story" 1940, he paired it with sheer white. The effect? Down home and innocent...
On the twelfth day of Christmas, Hollywood gave to me:
"Two-Faced Woman" 1941, was both Greta Garbo and Adrian's last MGM film. Constance Bennett, who played Garbo's rival in the movie, dazzled in this gown with amazing back detail.
...and, of course, a Partridge in a Pear Tree.
Wishing you all a Happy and stylish New Year!
film, fashion & frivolity.
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