Mad for Fashion
This week’s focus on fashion-inspired film takes a close look at Edie Beale in “ Grey Gardens,” Norma Desmond in “ Sunset Boulevard,” and Margot Channing in “ All About Eve.” It is refreshing to see mature characters who carry off fashion, but not without a dash of frivolity. Their stories have left a forever print on fashion especially my favorite character of all, Edie Beale who turned average household items like a “tea towel “ into a couture headpiece….. there is nothing a gold brooch can not fix. Aging in Hollywood is not an easy feat ( the basis for the storyline in both “Sunset Blvd “ and “All About Eve “.) Both women are ‘has been’ stars struggling to maintain their relevance.
“Sunset Boulevard” is a classic released in 1950 and directed by Billy Wilder. Costumes by the one and only Edith Head. The story revolves around the life of Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson) a silent movie star now forgotten by the world. Norma Desmond is a tragic figure, consumed by her delusions of grandeur and her desire to make a comeback in the movies. She lives in a world of deranged fantasy, where she believes she is still a big star. It was the movies that became small. Norma Desmond, uses fashion as a way to to project an image of glamour and sophistication, despite her fading star.
"All About Eve" (1950) is a legendary drama film directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz. The story focuses on a conniving and ambitious young actress Eve Harrington ( Anne Baxter) who inveigles herself into the life of famous Broadway star, Margo Channing ( Bette Davis). As Margo's star fades, Eve schemes to take her place in the spotlight. Once again, Costumes by the divine Edith Head. Margo Channing embraces fashion as a way of making a power statement and commanding attention.
"Grey Gardens" is a 1975 documentary film directed by Albert and David Maysles. The film tells the story of Edith Ewing Bouvier Beale and her daughter Edith Bouvier Beale, who were the aunt and cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. The two women lived in a decrepit mansion in East Hampton, New York, with hundreds of cats. The film explores the poverty of their daily lives, and their eccentricities. Despite the living conditions, the women maintain a love for fashion and regularly dressed up in elaborate outfits. The film has become a cult classic and has inspired numerous adaptations. Edie Beale, for example, uses fashion to maintain her dignity and sense of self-worth, despite the squalor. She transforms everyday items into couture pieces, using fashion as a way to express her creativity and individuality.
These timeless, extraordinary women have all left a lasting impression on audiences. Below are some inspired looks.
“Grey Gardens” Documentary Directed by Albert and David Maysles, 1975
Edith Bouvier Beale in “Grey Gardens,” 1976
Red St. Agnes Tank, Red Noir Kei Ninomiya Socks, Red Rick Owens Bodysuit , Red Prada Satin Heels, Red Rick Owens Long Skirt, Red and white Stripped Comme Top Red Paco Rabanne Sequinned Mini Skirt , Vintage 1910’s Star and Moon Lapel Pin, Le Monde Beryl Patent Mary Janes, Red Rochas Hair Clips.
Edith Bouvier Beale in “Grey Gardens,” 1976
Red Alemáis Terry Shirt, Red Alemáis Terry Wrap Skirt , Red Marni Sunglasses , Red Rick Owens Cotton Top, Vintage Ox Blood Earrings, Max Mara Silk Floral Brooch, Red Tulle Margiella Gloves , Red Scala Sun Hat , Red Issey Miyake Pleats Please Skirt.
Edith Bouvier Beale in “Grey Gardens,” 1976
Vintage Coral Earrings, Yellow Eres Swimsuit, Orange Arc Acrylic Cuff, Yellow Clyde Straw Hat, Yellow Zyne Beaded Heels, Vintage Coral Issey Miyake Matching Skirt Set, Yellow Satin YSL Heels, Vintage YSL Seahorse Earrings, Gold Toledeno Cuff, The Row Orange Leather Gloves.
Edith Bouvier Beale in “Grey Gardens,” 1976
Vintage Alberta Ferretti Brown Silk Skirt, Brown Rabanne Vneck Top, Vintage Brown Long Gaultier Skirt, Vintage Brown Envelope Bag, Vintage Amethyst 14k Gold Brooch, The Row Black Headscarf, Black Strapless Wolford Bodysuit, Gold Emme Parsons Sandals.
Edith Bouvier Beale in “Grey Gardens,” 1976
Brown Knit Wolford Bodysuit, Brown Jersey Wolford Bodysuit, Brown Pareo Skirt Emme Parsons Kitten Heels, Black JW Anderson Skirt, The Row Velvet Beanie Vintage 1960’s Brooch and Earring Set
Edith Bouvier Beale in “Grey Gardens,” 1976
Polkadot Marni Skirt , Marni Checked Sweater, Sensi Studios Red Lampshade hat, Wolford Black Bodysuit, YSL Black Mules, Sensi Studios Panama Hat, Red Straw bag
Edith Bouvier Beale in “Grey Gardens,” 1976
Edith Bouvier Beale in “Grey Gardens,” 1976
Vintage 90'‘s Pink Valentino Set, Vintage Silver Brooch, Pink Dorothy Schumacher Drapey Top Orange Celine Sunglasses, Seashell Earrings Vintage Hermes Surf Scarf, Manolo Blahnik Yellow Suede Heels, Vintage 90’s Pink Chanel Silk Set
Edith Bouvier Beale in “Grey Gardens,” 1976
Edith Bouvier Beale in “Grey Gardens,” 1976
Blue Wolford Bodysuit, Valére Gold Earrings, Vintage Gold Brooch, Bottega Veneta Swing Skirt, YSL Raffia Crossbody Bag, The Row White Headscarf, YSL Safari Jacket, Vintage Armani Scorpion Brooch, Mansur Gavriel Raffia Ballet Flats.
Blue Marni Leather Jacket, Vintage Pucci Sandals, Proenza Blue Pleated Jersey Dress, Blue Celine Sunglasses, YSL Safari Dress, Blue Scala Sunhat, Vintage Brown and Blue Pucci Handbag, Clyde Straw Hat
Edith Bouvier Beale in “Grey Gardens,” 1976
Sensi Brown Panama Hat, Vintage Red Enamel Pin, Manolo Blahnik Checkered Mules Brown Velvet Headband, Yellow Louis Vuitton Bag, Dries Van Noten Sunglasses, Vintage Green Enamel Judith Leiber Brooch, Vintage 90’s Gaultier Three Piece Ensemble, Bernadette Checked Linen Dress.
Edith Bouvier Beale in “Grey Gardens,” 1976
Rixo Floral Dress, Clyde Pink and Blue Straw Hat, Manolo Blahnik Suede and Diamond Pumps, Sophie Buhai Green Drop Earrings, Marni Green and Blue Checked Skirt, Dries Van Noten Patterned Socks, Green Suede Penny Loafers, Rixo Patchwork Dress.
Green Taller Marmo Maribu Dress, Dries Van Noten Sequin Top, Vintage Manolo Blahnik Suede Pumps, Sensi Satin Patterned hat, Ferragamo Ring, Dorsey Emerald and Diamond Earrings, Vintage Snake Brooch.
Sensi Satin Sun Hat, Manolo Blahnik Metalic Sandals, Dries Van Noten Embellished Trench Coat, YSL Floral Mini Dress, Vintage Turtle Brooch, Mondo Mondo Earrings
“Sunset Boulevard,” 1950. Directed by Billy Wilder. Starring Gloria Swanson. Costume Design by Edith Head.
Vintage Dries Nylon Hat, YSL Black SlingBacks, Black Alaïa Sunglasses, Black Khaite Bodysuit, YSL Leopard Slingback Heels, YSL Leopard Skirt, Cleo Peppiatt Beaded Mini Dress.
Sensi Studio Black Lampshade Hat, Dorsey Gold Link Necklace, Black YSL Belted Jumpsuit Black Loro Piana Slingback Heels, Anine Bing White Cateye Sunglasses, Manolo Blahnik Gold Metalic Heels, Dorsey Gold Link Bracelet, YSL Gold Clip Earrings
Sensi Studio White Hat, White Alaia Sunglasses. Dorsey Silver Link Bracelet, Dorsey Silver Diamond Earrings, Jcrew Black Espadrilles, Black Khaite Skirt Wolford off the Shoulder Bodysuit, White Jimmy Choo Pumps, YSL Organza Brooch
Gloria Swanson in “Sunset Boulevard,” 1950
Sensi Studios Black Hat , Rochas Rose Earrings, Raey Black Maxi Dress. Courrèges Sunglasses , Jcrew Straw Tote, Raey White Mesh Socks, Black and White Loafers
Attersee White Skirt With Tassels, YSL Black Knit Top, Totem Croc Belt, YSL Resin Earrings, YSL Aviator Hat, YSL Toirteshell Cuff, YSL Silk Scar, Black & White Sebago Loafers
Gloria Swanson in “Sunset Boulevard,” 1950
Dries Van Noten Crepe Embellished White or Black Long Dress Vintage Chanel Pearl Earring, Vintage Black Miu Miu Heels with Bow
Ioana White Bodysuit , YSL Sunglasses, YSl Chunky Silver Bracelet, Jacquemis Leather Skirt YSL Chunky Silver Necklace YSL Geometric Earrings Balenciaga Budoir Heels
Gloria Swanson in “Sunset Boulevard,” 1950
YSL Polkadot Mini Dress, Sensi Studios Panama Hat, YSL Patent Sling Back Heels Ioana Black Tule Gloves, Alaïa Oval Sunglasses, Corali Black and Silver Earrings, Khaite Silver Earrings
“All About Eve”
1950 Directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz’s, Starring Bette Davis. Costumes By Edith Head
Vintage 1940’s Black Dress, Bernadette Black Dress With Rose, Black Vintage Clutch Vintage YSL Earrings, The Row White Pumps
Taller Marmo Black or White Maribou Dress, Marni Cat-eye Sunglasses, Paco Rabanne Silver Fringe Bag Proenza Silver Mules
“All About Eve” 1950, Starring Bette Davis
Vintage 1960 Lamé Robe Jacket, Ulla Johnson Peach Silk Dress, Dorsey Pink Safire Necklace. Lulu Guinness Flower Pot Bag, Vintage Coral Drop Earrings, Scully & Scully Velvet Slippers
Thank you for Reading x MGC
This is exceptional!!! ❤️💥
genius!