Old Hollywood’s Fashion Evolution

Wealth deeper and larger than the imaginable, glamor beyond extravagance, parties lasting all day and all night; Old Hollywood had it all. The Golden Age of Hollywood lasted from the 1910’s to the 1960’s. The film industry was evolving and advancing, actors and actresses became idols for the American people, and the dream of working on movies was sparked. With the emergence of this new industry came a new culture with fame and power becoming something an ordinary person could come to achieve. The modern “celebrity” became an important part of American society, and they were everything people wanted to be. Exclusive parties were filled with expensive food, extravagant clothes, and elusive entertainment; appearances began to matter, and Old Hollywood took it to the next level.

Fashion for celebrities of the Golden Age became entertainment in itself for the American public. As women were unable to afford the luxurious designs their favorite actresses were wearing, they instead obsessed over the costumes and clothes of Hollywood movie stars. This meant it was crucial for studios to hire innovative and creative designers for their costuming. Outfits became even more extravagant with feathers, beading, large hats and heavy skirts becoming staples in set wardrobes. An example of this can be seen in the film Top Hat with Ginger Rogers, her dresses flaunted feathers and cascading beads. This style bled over into the fashion worn by celebrities off screen as well, parties and events became a runway.

The Old Hollywood era was filled with some of the most fashionable stars. One of the most well known and loved actresses and fashion icons of this time was Marilyn Monroe. Her style consisted of sophisticated glamor, with many silk silhouettes paired with luxurious furs and tall gloves. Audrey Hepburn was also adored for her classic style throughout her career. It’s easy to picture her black dresses with full skirts and large hats with excess of ribbon. Creativity and expression were goals of designers as they worked alongside their celebrity clients, hoping to make America fall in love with their glamorous lifestyle even more.

Edith Head was one of these designers that propelled the ideal of the classic Hollywood era. Edith was a successful designer in Hollywood’s Golden Age. She began her career as a costume designer at Paramount Pictures with little to no experience. She quickly became one of the most well known designers in Hollywood and now has 8 Academy Awards for her designs in films such as Roman Holiday and Sabrina. Her looks captured the essence of regality and elegance, a modern royal. Large skirts, tight corset tops, detailed hats and shawls were all staples in her designs. Edith dressed Old Hollywood royalty including Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly, allowing her to go down in Golden Age history.

The luxurious life of Old Hollywood will forever be fascinating to the American people, both during its era and to this day. The glam and glitz sparkling eternally, bringing joy and light to entertainment society. Fashiwon is only one of the memorable aspects of the Golden Age and continues to inspire.

John Galliano is a British fashion designer known best for his work at Givenchy and Dior where he created extravagant haute- couture collections along with readyto-wear designs. His work at Dior shifted the classic feminine style Dior had produced since their first line in 1947. Influences from theater and the French Revolution inspired Galliano, and left Dior with some of its most memorable shows yet.

The British designer began his days working in his own studio in London where he was quickly recognized for his ingenuity and talent. He was awarded the British Fashion Council Designer of the Year in both 1987 and 1994, two years before his start at the house of Dior. Galliano was one of the first British designers to take over a French fashion house, bringing his “New Look” to Dior.

Before John Galliano joined the Dior Fashion House, the classic Dior style was much more conventional and sophisticated. Even their couture designs were extensively sharp lines, shoulder pads, and tailored suits. This familiar Dior style resembles the Dior we think of today. It is understandable why Dior falls back to this original style, it is practical to the consumer and well known by their audience. However, with the entrance of Galliano, Dior was reimagined.

Galliano’s love for historical and theatrical fashion can be seen through his designs in his haute-couture shows from Fall 2000 and Fall 2007, some of his most loved work. The 2000’s show brought an entire wedding ensemble including a priest and a reinvented Marie Antoinette, with the designs bringing elements of luxury and glam. Caked faces, extravagant hats, and bold costumey pieces embellished the models. Fall 2007 brought the familiar eccentric facade we can expect from Galliano. The dresses were lavish, in the most glamorous way; the dresses were decorated with feathers, ruffles, and pearls. Gallaino was able to create a vintage story of romance and drama during his time at Dior.

At Dior, Galliano was successful in bringing to life historical and melodramatic glamor. His pieces allow for expression of the excessive and love for the lavish. The overthe-top costumey designs were ahead of their time and can now be seen and appreciated in a new light. Both his couture and ready-to-wear looks are admired today.

Miley Cyrus is known for wearing vintage Galliano’s Dior, and has even posted on her social media about her love for his designs. Additionally, the Netflix TV show, Bridgerton, has taken inspiration for their costumes from Galliano. The show is known for its historical and impressive designs with similar elements of richness, draping, and headpieces.

The Galliano era at Dior was filled with storytelling and imagination: some of Dior’s wildest shows came from Galliano. Though his time at Dior was extravagant and beautiful, his reign quickly ended when Dior let him go due to his “odious behavior”. Galliano’s work will continue to inspire new creation and expression for future designers, allowing for the appreciation of art and fashion narrative in clothing.