Fashion in Film: The Women

The brilliant and funny Anita Loos was one of Hollywood’s foremost early screenwriters. Her biting script for THE WOMEN was adapted from the hit play by Clare Boothe Luce, a comedy of manners about status, gossip, and love. George Cukor directs a fantastic who’s who of acting talent in this all-female cast; and not a single man appears in the entire film! Filled with crackling dialogue, snappy comebacks, and fashion by famed costume designer Adrian. Featuring Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford, and Rosalind Russell.

About the Fashion: MGM chief designer Adrian outdid himself in what is perhaps the most stylish film of the 1930s. Frequently interested in surrealism, Adiran incorporated eccentric design elements into the wardrobe of these high society characters, including an unforgettable “seeing eye” blouse, extravagant hats and gold lamé turbans, and jewelry from the leading ladies’ personal collections. The entire picture is in black and white with the exception of a mesmerizing Technicolor fashion show featuring a parade of chic Adrian designs. His work in this film and with frequent muse Joan Crawford (he is responsible for her signature shoulder pads) had a direct influence on the popular silhouettes of the 1940s.

Costume Designers: Adrian