Due to the holiday this week, Film Fashion Friday is a day late. I had planned on doing a different film for this week, but yesterday I picked up some dvds while shopping on "Black Friday" and had to make a change of plans. One of the dvds I picked up was Gilda (1946). This has been on my wish list on half.com for a long time. Costco is currently selling it for $7.99 (I think, its under $9 for sure). I can't believe I hadn't seen this film before!!! It's a really great movie and it has some really spectacular gowns in it, all designed by Jean Louis.
Jean Louis is best know for his work in Gilda and for the gown Marilyn Monroe wore to sing happy birthday to John F. Kennedy. Louis started out his film fashion career in the mid-40's and made his last film in 1973. He also made the gowns for Loretta Young that she wore during her entrances on her show which aired in the 50's and 60's.
I really recommend checking out some of Louis's lesser known films because they show the same keen eye that is represented in Gilda. The gowns in this film are so glamourous and rightly so, since this film takes place mostly in a casino/night club. Gilda tells the story of forbidden love and has some gangster flare to it as well.
When I was looking for an image of a vintage movie poster to use in this post, I came across some of these publicity stills. I absolutely love Rita Hayworth's hair in this movie and it has convinced me not to cut my hair just yet!
Gilda is available on dvd and is an instant on Netflix.
This week's honorable mention is from 2006. Hollywoodland is a period film staring Ben Affleck, Diane Lane, and Adrian Brody. Hollywoodland is the story of the first superman, George Reeves, who starred in the television version of the classic comic. Julie Weiss did the costumes for this film and she did a wonderful job -- the costumes are very true to the period. Hollywoodland is available on dvd and Netflix.
Check back later next week for my review of the 70th anniversary Gone With the Wind box set.
Emily