Film costume
Designer
Adrian
(1903 - 1959)
Maker
MGM
1937
Red bugle bead pavé on silk crepe
Gift of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc.
Object number70.8.19
In 1930, more than sixty-five percent of Americans went to the cinema at least once a week. Hollywood films offered a means of escapism that was accessible to many people. Costume design was particularly important, and new styles presented on screen sometimes made their way into high fashion trends. Gilbert Adrian built his career as a costume designer at MGM, where he worked on more than 250 films, including The Wizard of Oz. This costume was worn by Joan Crawford in the 1937 film The Bride Wore Red. Although the gown is meticulously hand beaded with an estimated two million scarlet beads, the movie was shot in black and white.
Descriptionplunging V-neck sleeveless bias cut evening dress with train and short capelet (cape) in red bugle beads pavé beaded overall on crepe; costume for Joan Crawford in The Bride Wore RedCollections
Exhibitions