Old Hollywood glamour. What did Hollywood stars wear? Follow the style trends set by leading actresses in the 1920’s, 30’s, 40’s and 1950’s
By 1930 the dominance of Paris designers was challenged by the Hollywood costume designer. In our archives, we look at the trend setting dresses and hairstyles worn by the most glamorous women in the world.
Actresses like Greta Garbo, Clara Bow, and Joan Crawford all wore gowns which had women drooling in the cinema aisles. Costume designers such as Travis Banton and Gilbert Adrian helped create what would be called the American look.
On the silver screen, and later in Technicolor, women appeared flawless. Their dresses were divine, their hairstyles and makeup immaculate thanks to beauty gurus like Max Factor. It was a fairy tale land of beauty, and the world was transfixed.
To get you started here are just two examples of Hollywood’s impact on style. In 1927 Clara Bow helped propel the little black dress or LBD into every fashionable wardrobe across the world. It’s debut appearance in the smash hit “It (1927) was nothing short of revolutionary.
Later Vivien Leigh’s civil war hair snood worn in Gone with the Wind became a staple hair accessory during the early years of the WW2 in the 1940’s.
Dive in to our old Hollywood glamour posts and see for yourself what women were reading and what fashion trends they followed.
Hollywood Gossip 1926 – She plays the reckless younger generation – on and off screen. Little Clara Bow got her name in the papers recently when Robert Savage, untamed Yale student, tried to kill himself because Clara wouldn’t marry him. In the subsequent trial – everything seems to go to court these days- Robert testified …
Which is more dangerous to life or limb – Acting or Football? – Hollywood beauty icon Bebe Daniels considers football a cream-puff when compared to life in the movies. Not counting illnesses, due to exposure, here is a chart of Bebe’s enforced lay-offs due to injuries in the line of duty as an actress. Ms …
It’s 1932 – Get the latest 1930’s style pointers from Hollywood screen siren Carole Lombard – Here they are. 1. A two-piece jacket dress that looks for all the world like a suit. But take my word for it, it’s a dress – 2. Not only a short jacket but short sleeves. getting technical – …
In the 1920’s – the advice to girls was – stay out of the sun! – August 1928 – Carolyn Van Wyck’s Hollywood Beauty Shop brings us the latest 1920s makeup and beauty tricks of the stars. here she advises Doris to ‘avoid’ a tan and maintain her beautiful complexion. DEAR CAROLYN The first two …
The Daily Rituals of Beauty and Makeup in 1916. While the First World War raged on – America’s Photoplay flew the flag of glamour with this delicate peek behind a society woman’s beauty rituals. The salon de beauts brings to the mademoiselle in distress all the fine art of beautifying and correction to which science …
1920’s Makeup Tricks of the Stars – July 1928 – Carolyn Van Wyck’s Hollywood Beauty Shop brings us the latest makeup tricks of the stars. A GIRL’S face still influences her fortune. Never has make-up been more important than in this day of the modem girl. To buy just the right shade of powder, the …
From July 1928 – Carolyn Van Wyck’s Hollywood Beauty Shop discusses the problem of ‘choosing a fashion type’ for yourself – For the very tall or the very small girl, for the piquant brunette or golden blonde, the way to emphasize personality is obvious and easy. But for ” in-between” girls it’s difficult. On this …
Actress Betty Blythe fearlessly discusses the grave dangers to which the new ‘daring dresses’ expose women. Originally published in the Competitors Journal -July 1926 – Most of the 1920s frocks worn by girls and women today are a terrible temptation to men. They reveal as much as they possibly dare reveal. They inflame the senses, …
Originally published in July 1932 issue of Photoplay – The Hollywood 1930’s Style Report – for women, by the mysteriously named fashion columnist ‘Seymour’. THESE THREE SMART STARS SPONSOR – GAY STRIPES | LIGHT WOOLS | ALL WHITE . Youth is in every wool line of this jaunty beige wool suit which you’ll see Anita …
1940s swimwear designs. The dressmaker suit is trumps in the new ultra-swim worthy offerings that can either go to sea – or be seen! Deanna Durbin, who’ll lead the eagerly-awaited “Spring Parade”, likes this one featuring a swing skirt and a halter that fastens in front, where the blue and red stripes are manipulated to …