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: Gilda (1946)

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