Gone With the Wind
At only 26 years old and with little experience in the world of cinema –but she did have experience in the theater–, Vivien Leigh became one of the most important actresses in Hollywood with Gone with the Wind, released on Christmas 1939. More than three hours into the story, the protagonist wore impressive dresses with floral prints and flared skirts, a very characteristic turn-of-the-century style made by Walter Plunkett, the most famous Californian movie costume designer of the moment.
Her stylistic repertoire should have been nominated for the Oscars, but it wasn't until 1949 that there were room – and statuettes – for the wardrobe department. The designs worn by Vivien Leigh in the film were key in the late 1930s and early 1940s for future brides at the time, who were inspired by these designs.
Curious fact: even the designer Christian Dior himself was influenced by Plunkett's dresses for his long-awaited New Look that would arrive shortly after.
Gilda
The New York performer of Spanish origin, Rita Hayworth, triumphed with her performance in Gilda in 1946. But there was a scene that exceeded all expectations: when she began to sing the song Put the Blame on Mame clad in an impressive tight black dress with a straight neckline and a large side bow on the hip, made by the American costume designer Jean Louis.
The design worn by the protagonist was inspired by the Portrait of Madame X by the painter John Singer Sargent who recreated the image of a famous Parisian socialite. Thanks to this scene and of course, the satin dress, the idea of a femme fatale was linked to the name of Gilda and also to the actress Rita Hayworth forever.
A noteworthy fact: a few months ago she had given birth to her first daughter, in such a way that she wore a special corset so that her dress would fit even more closely to her body.
Gentlemen prefer blondes
The long blonde hair, the song from Diamonds Are a Girl's best friend and the striking strapless fuchsia satin dress with a maxi bow on the back and a back opening with matching gloves by William Travilla were key in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes by 1953. It was one of the most memorable scenes of Marylin Monroe along with the display of jewelry in the early fifties, the perfect recreation of a diva bathed in diamonds with a breathtaking design inspired by old Hollywood.
The pink dress ended up being auctioned a decade ago in the United States with a record figure, nothing more and nothing less than $ 300,000.
Interesting fact: the queen of pop, Madonna, was inspired by this colorful pattern for her video clip from Material Girl released in January 1985.
Rear window
The elegance of Grace Kelly was reflected sensationally in the costumes created by the costume manager Edith Head through the different scenes of the film Rear Window released in 1954. The first outfit that appears in the film is perhaps the most famous, is made up of a black bodice with a 'V' neckline and cap sleeves, and a very wide skirt created with several layers of tulle and adorned with black beads.
A piece that was inspired by the famous New Look silhouette of the Parisian Christian Dior for which Grace Kelly herself would opt again later.
Suggestive fact: Edith Head designed five dresses, each with a different color and meaning to recreate the story, managing to narrate the evolution of Grace Kelly's character through her clothing.
Catch a thief
Not one, but two 'looks' were those that crowned the young actress in 'To Catch a Thief' from 1955 as one of the promises of Hollywood in the fifties. Two designs with different styles were made by the costume manager and dressmaker Edith Head.
During one of the first scenes of the film, Grace appears as a true Greek goddess dressed in a flowing dress of blue chiffon, with a draped bodice and spaghetti straps, a style reminiscent of the 1930s and Fortuny's famous Delphos dress.
The second outfit was much more modern, consisting of a halter neck, an open-back top, black capri pants, and a white linen skirt with a front slit, and a large white hat over a black turban. An image that went around the world and that today resembles the most characteristic aesthetic of the French firm of Jacquemus.
Fun fact: some garments were designed around a piece of jewelry due to script requirements, a look that was quite a challenge for Edith Head.
