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.
New lines for the new decade – Norma is wearing a silk crepe afternoon frock of the new Spring shade ( left ),fuchsia. The lines follow the curves of the figure flaring in to a slightly uneven hemline. Puffs above the wrists give interest to the sleeves, while the hat, also of fuchsia shade, reveals …
Actress Ann Rutherfords Spring Wardrobe – 1940s Fashion Report by Gwenn Walters – Vivacious Ann Rutherford gives you an exclusive preview of her spring dresses for this season. A parchment beige wool jersey sports frock is Ann’s first choice. Designed by LA’s Louella Ballerino, it is a two piece eye-catcher. The blouse, which features soft …
Hollywood actress says Flappers here to stay ! – by Gladys Hall – Chicago Daily News. “What normal healthy girl doesn’t like to be both smart and naughty !” Colleen Moore 1922 One day, not so very long ago, Colleen Moore and I had lunch together. I don’t suppose I ever met anybody so enthusiastic …
The young actress shows her daily routine – Just on the verge of her success in Flaming Youth, where she played the first truly iconic screen flapper, Colleen Moore gave this little makeup tutorial to Photoplay. It was so successful that Photoplay made makeup tutorials a regular thing. Colleen Moore’s chief screen rival Clara Bow …
Luscious costumes by Gilbert Adrian – “Bonjour Madam, Mademoiselle !It gives me great pleasure to take you on this adventurous little voyage into 1930s fashion land. But today ladies, as an innovation, you will see our models go through the rhythmic movement of everyday life, as it responds to the ever changing flow of the …
A 1940 coiffure for everyone – The new bright star in the Hollywood firmament – Gene Tierney, is equally famous for the molten maple leaf colored quality of her iconic 1940 hairstyle. Sonnets have been written about a woman’s hair, and here we look at 81 coiffures, all in style for the new decade of the …
Priscilla Lane models four outfits – So you’re going to college ! ( left) Doesn’t Priscilla Lane look a dream in this casual all-day-round dress suited for campus and class? The long sleeved crepe blouse is a deep Hunters green crepe, while the Tartan skirt is of smooth wool in shades of green, orange, yellow …
More Women are buying more clothes for more money – In the country’s custom fashion salons and high-priced stores, with the post war fears of fabric shortages, business in fashion is booming .. and women are in a frenzy of buying, at least those who can afford it. Shown here are this falls latest silhouettes …
1930’s Style Report by Carolyn Wicks – Just look at lovely June Clayworth who offers us some interesting new styles from her Autumn wardrobe. From the left, this checked knit dress has yellow and green predominating. To the right, the leather bows on this black wool dress are very new. A leather hat matches the …
Hollywood sets the 1930s mode – Lilyan Tashman‘s Style Lovely Lilyan Tashman starts off our little fashion show with these two stunning outfits. Left: Miss Tashman in a spectator sport costume of dust blue and white. Over a frock of dust blue roma crepe, bound with silk braid at the hem, Miss Tashman wears a …