The last film of this series and for this week is Street of Women (1932). I have opted not to do a "traditional" FFF style for this post for a few reasons; I cannot find who was the fashion designer/director on this film and the fashion show sequence is very short and very much part of the plot.
While I cannot find some to give credit to the fantastic outfits this film showcases, that certainly does not detract from making this super fashionable film -- one that I hope everyone gets a chance to see at some point. I accidentally bought two copies of this film, so I am going to give one away on my blog. It does not still have the shrink wrap on it, but it is brand new. to enter, just leave a comment on this post. Only one entry per person and the winner will be announced next Friday. Giveaway open to U.S. residents only, since I am going to ship it via Media Mail.
The fashion show sequence is very short in this film, all of about five minutes, but it plays an interesting role within the film. The woman sitting in the chair visits Kay Francis's boutique because she knows her husband is having an affair with her and wants to see what kind of night gowns she should purchase. It all really is just a rouse to let Francis in on the fact that she knows what her husband it up to. I think it's pretty neat that they are using a scene like this to relay such a message. This scene reminded me of the age old question of do whom do women dress for: themselves or other women? I also like that the film takes the one of the conventions of the fashion show: a costume in a boutique setting to view clothing and employs it for a completely different use: to let Francis in on the "joke."
There are many other films with fashion shows in them and a few have just been released by the Warner Archive. I wish I would have known about them when I first started this series. Maybe I can bring it back? :)
Anyways, if you are looking for some more fashion shows within film check out these movies:
From the Warner Archive:
Colleen (1936)
The Golden Arrow (1936)
Mannequin (1937)
From Amazon:
Vogues of 1938 (1937)
Artists and Models Abroad (1938)
From Film Collectors Online:
Artists and Models (1937)
Our Blushing Brides (1939)
The Bride Walks Out (1936)
Employee's Entrance (1933)
Widely Available on DVD:
Artists and Models (1955)
The Women (1939)
Funny Face (1957)
How to Marry a Millionaire (1953)
That Touch of Mink (1962)
Also featuring fashion shows are:
Lucy Gallant (1955)
On Your Back (1930)
If anyone has either of these movies, please send me a message. I would love to own these.
I think I got them all, but if I missed one, let me know and I will update the list. :)
I hope everyone enjoyed this series!!