Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Rosalind Russell as Sylvia Fowler in publicity for "The Women", 1939



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On the lot with Adrian, the designer of all the amazing costumes for "The Women".

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As a bonus, here's another wacky costume designed for the film but, in this case, not used. Going by the equine theme of this toilette, I expect this was meant for one of the scenes played out at the ranch-as-lady's-club for incipient divorcées set in that fabled classic-film divorce locale, Reno.




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5 comments:

  1. ArchitectDesign™August 19, 2015 at 7:31 AM

    one of my favorite movies - she was just great.

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  2. Paul G. EllisAugust 19, 2015 at 10:25 AM

    I adore the movie, even with its many faults. And Russell is amazing a Sylvia.

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  3. Shawn CullenAugust 24, 2015 at 8:11 AM

    There was a scene planned (dinner at the Reno divorce ranch) that was either cut or never filmed. Russell's western-themed dinner gown was intended for that scene. The only trace that remains is some dialogue in the Reno scenes where Norma Shearer mentions preparing dinner for the group of divorcees.

    Adrian really let himself go in the costumes for "The Women". My favorites are the smart suits that Shearer and Joan Fontaine wear for their visit to Sidney's Beauty Salon. The suits were Adrian's tribute to Elsa Schiaparelli, a designer he admired.

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    1. StephiliusAugust 24, 2015 at 9:57 AM

      Thanks for the information on that missing scene, Shawn! And, yes, there's a whole lot of "Schiap" in Adrian's costumes for "The Women". And as much as he admired her - and was influenced by her - he's not above making fun. A perfect example would be Russell's first blouse - avec eyeballs! ; )

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