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Edith Head: Hollywood’s Costume Designer

Sunset Boulevard costume

Costume worn by Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond in the film “Sunset Boulevard”, 1950

The Collection of Motion Picture Costume Design: Larry McQueen 

https://dvew4etk36zxg.cloudfront.net/CostumeGloria.mp3

 

Visual Description: This is an accordion-pleated black nightgown with a sweetheart neckline trimmed with a small ruffle. The nightgown is strapless and floor-length. Under the gown’s bust and at the waistline are two shiny black silk ribbons, creating an empire silhouette.   

Extended Label Text: Gloria Swanson was one of Paramount’s biggest stars when Edith Head started working at the studio in 1924. The designer idolized Swanson and, years later, relished the opportunity to dress her for Sunset Boulevard (1950). For the film, Head and Swanson went through countless bolts of fabric, shoes, accessories, and jewelry, trying to make Swanson’s character, Norma, as contemporary as possible. They outfitted her in fashionable clothes and makeup but always hinted at the past with furs, peacock feathers, outdated and oversized jewelry, and an unfashionably long cigarette holder. 

1. sunset boulevard reference

Sunset Boulevard (1950). Gloria Swanson. The Film Costume Collection 

2. sunset boulevard reference

Edith Head and Gloria Swanson during production of Sunset Blvd., 1950. Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.  

 

————————————————————————————————————————————————-

 

Traje usado por Gloria Swanson como Norma Desmond en la película “El Ocaso de Una Vida”, 1950

La Colección de Diseño de Vestuario Cinematográfico: Larry McQueen 

https://d1p2sdq4k97jxk.cloudfront.net/017_TRAJE_USADO_POR_GLORIA_SWANSON.mp3

 

Descripción Visual: Se trata de un camisón negro plisado tipo acordeón con un escote en forma de corazón adornado con un pequeño volante. El camisón es sin tirantes y llega hasta el suelo. Debajo del busto y en la cintura del camisón hay dos cintas de seda negra brillante, creando una silueta de imperio. 

Texto de Etiqueta Ampliado: Gloria Swanson era una de las estrellas más importantes de Paramount cuando Edith Head comenzó a trabajar en el estudio en 1924. La diseñadora idolatraba a Swanson y, años más tarde, disfrutó de la oportunidad de vestirla para El Ocaso de Una Vida (1950). Para la película, Head y Swanson revisaron innumerables rollos de tela, zapatos, accesorios y joyas, tratando de hacer que el personaje de Swanson Norma, fuera lo más contemporáneo posible. La vistieron con ropa y maquillaje a la moda, pero siempre insinuaban el pasado con pieles, plumas de pavo real, joyas anticuadas y de gran tamaño y una boquilla para cigarrillos larga y pasada de moda. 

1. sunset boulevard reference

El Ocaso de Una Vida (1950). Gloria Swanson. La Colección de Vestuario de Cine 

2. sunset boulevard reference

Edith Head y Gloria Swanson durante la producción de El Ocaso de Una Vida,1950. Fotografías de Paramount Pictures, Biblioteca Margaret Herrick, Academia de Artes y Ciencias Cinematográficas. 

 

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