Edith Head: The Most Beautiful Costumes

Edith Head

Okay, if you didn't know, Edith Head is probably the most famous costume designer for film ever.  She won eight Oscars during her career. Her personality and history provided the basis for this famous Disney/Pixar character.  Edith Head designed clothing for many great films including Sabrina, Roman Holiday, All About Eve, To Catch a Thief, and The Sting.

So, why am I bringing up Edith Head?  There is no particular reason other than that I love beautiful clothing, and I think everyone (especially if they haven't seen the movies) should see these fantastic creations:

All About Eve

Bette Davis in All About Eve

In All About Eve, Bette Davis plays Broadway actress Margot Channing (this movie has fantastic character names).  It is one of my favorite movies of all time, and if you haven't seen it yet-- I urge you to shut of your computer, go to the library, and get the DVD, right now. (A gown with pockets?! Awesome.)

To Catch A Thief

Grace Kelly in To Catch a Thief

Grace Kelly and Cary Grant in To Catch a Thief

Grace Kelly in To Catch a Thief

Grace Kelly in To Catch a Thief

In To Catch a Thief, Grace Kelly plays an heiress touring the French Riviera with her mother.  The pair come into contact with John Robie, a mysterious former cat burglar (played by Cary Grant naturally...)  This movie is a highlight of one of the many collaborations between Head and director Alfred Hitchcock.

Funny Face

Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face

Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face

Audrey Hepburn, Fred Astaire, and Kay Thompson in Funny Face

Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face

Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face

Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face

Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face

Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face

Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire in Funny Face

Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face

Okay...so credit must be given where credit is due.  Not all of these costumes are by Edith Head.  She and designer Hubert de Givenchy collaborated on the film.  Audrey Hepburn plays a "homely" (har har) bookish type, Jo Stockton.  Fred Astaire is a photographer for a famous fashion magazine.  He discovers her and "drags" her to Paris to be photographed as the new face of the magazine.  A wonderful whirl of beautiful clothing immediately ensues... (Fun Fact: the photo with the fish was a complete accident.  In that picture, she's really just shocked that she caught a fish!)

Rear Window

Grace Kelly in Rear Window

Grace Kelly in Rear Window

Grace Kelly in Rear Window

Grace Kelly in Rear Window

In Rear Window, Grace Kelly plays a fashion editor type dating a professional photographer played by Jimmy Stewart.  He is recuperating from breaking his leg and is therefore stranded with nothing to do in his apartment.  Until... he witnesses a murder.  Or, does he? (This is a bit of a pointless statement but, movies with fashion have the best clothes.  It's like how British dramas have the best character names.)