Film Fashion Friday: Cover Girl (1944)

Hello Darling Readers! Welcome to Musical Month for the Film Fashion Friday Series. I am so delighted to share my picks for this month. I love musicals, they are what got me into classic film. I can remember being a very young girl, no more than 7 or 8, watching some of the greatest musicals ever made. I am still a big fan today and thought what better way to welcome in Spring/Summer weather than some cheery and maybe a bit cheesy musicals!

My main pick for this week is Cover Girl (1944) staring Rita Hayworth and Gene Kelly. I seriously adore this film and if you haven't seen it, you need to put in on your Netflix instant queue. I love that the film isn't bombarded with musical numbers, yet the ones that are present are engaging and spectacular in regards to the filmmaker's choice of costuming and color. This time around, I was totally enamored with Eve Arden's head-wear throughout the course of the film, calumniating at the end of the film with the flowered wreath with attached hairnet. I gotta get me one of those!! :)

Anyways, the film tells the story of a Brooklyn showgirl, Hayworth, who want to make it big-time on Broadway. When she appears on the cover of a magazine, Hayworth is then torn between her genuine love for Gene Kelly and her big aspirations for being a top box office draw showgirl. The costumes designed by Muriel King, Gwen Wakeling, and Travis Banton showcase the eloquent look of the mid-1940s in the cuts and shapes of the gowns and suits worn by both Hayworth and her costars. This film also has a great selection of hats that would make any forties enthusiast envious!

^^Here's just a taste of the film, since there seems to be no trailer available^^

This week's additional recommendation is Top Hat (1935), starring Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. I am sure most of you have seen this classic, but on the off chance you haven't; here's a friendly reminder that this is a must see film. Ginger Rogers really has some of the most gorgeous 30s gowns and cute hair styles to boot.

Thanks for stopping by and taking a look at my picks. Check back next week for some more fantastic musicals!

Emily

Film Fashion Friday: Easy to Wed (1946)

Welcome to the fourth and final week of Actress Month. I feel like I saved one of Lucy's best films for last! The main feature this week, Easy to Wed, comes from 1946 and stars Esther Williams and Van Johnson alongside Lucy. This film has to be one of the cutest post-war romantic comedies I have seen. The story is a musical-esque remake of Libeled Lady (1936). While many don't feel this film lives up to that of its 1936 origin, I feel it's still a super fun film with great Irene costumes. Plus it has Esther Williams in it, wearing some awesome swimwear.

Irene worked a lot with the musical department at MGM. It seems that her two favorite starlets to dress and design for were Doris Day (whom Irene became very close with) and Esther Williams. I know that most of the Williams' films were made with the same team, so it's no surprise that Irene worked on pretty much all of these films. Irene had a long career that began as an actress in the '20s. The early '30s marked her debut as a costume designer and supervisor.

Just as a little side note, the TCM Spotlight Esther Williams Volume one collection is amazing!! All of these films have stellar costumes, especially beachwear and Mexican inspired looks. This collection is a must see before summer to get some really get outfit ideas.

This week's honorable mention features an all star cast. Stage Door (1937) is about a boarding house of actress wannabe's. These gals are impeccably dressed and the gowns by Muriel King are the envy of any '30s enthusiast.

Both films are available on DVD in box sets and through online rental at Netflix. I hope everyone enjoyed actress month as much as I did!! Keep leaving your requests and suggestions!!

See you next week for some more vintage film fashion!

Emily