Edith Head's Most Iconic Movie Costumes
Edith Head's Most Iconic Movie Costumes
By Abby Fulmar
Even if you are not familiar with the name Edith Head, you have most likely encountered and appreciated some of her costume designs. Head is considered the most decorated female costume designer in the history of film, winning eight Academy Awards for Best Costume Design between the years of 1949 and 1973. Her career spanned over six decades, in which time she worked closely with director Alfred Hitchcock and styled many of Hollywood’s leading ladies, including Rita Hayworth, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, and Elizabeth Taylor.
During the “Golden Age” of Hollywood, it was common for designers to create pieces based on their own style and taste. Head strayed from this traditional way of designing, believing that costumes should reflect the film character, not the designer. This unique approach gave her the opportunity to create fresh and versatile designs for more than 1,000 films throughout her career, many of which forever changed the film and fashion industries.
The Hurricane (1937)
Head’s career took off after styling actress Dorothy Lamour in The Hurricane. Sarongs had long been associated with swimwear, often loosely tied around the body for extra coverage. Head’s scandalous, tailored sarong mini dress showed the public the potential of everyday beachwear and gained enough attention to catapult Lamour to international stardom.
The Emperor Waltz (1948)
Head’s first Oscar nomination for Best Costume Design resulted from her work on the film The Emperor Waltz. The stunning evening gowns she created for the film were only the beginning for the designer. Head would become known for her extravagant dress designs in later decades, eventually being dubbed a “dress doctor” by many.
To Catch a Thief (1955)
Hollywood’s biggest actresses soon began requesting Head’s designs on and off screen. One of those actresses was none other than “it girl” Grace Kelly. Head was tasked with creating an entire wardrobe for Kelly’s affluent character in To Catch a Thief, a film set on the French Riviera. It was through this film that Head was able to show just how versatile her designs could be, creating an array of costumes ranging from chic beachwear to jaw-dropping gowns.
White Christmas (1954)
Some of Head’s most iconic work comes from the holiday classic White Christmas. Besides the star-studded cast – Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen – the musical is most known for its vibrant costumes. Head skillfully used lavish materials and textures to elevate the many dance scenes throughout the film. Even after 70 years, audiences still return each Christmas to see the striking blue lace and red satin dresses, all thanks to the genius of Edith Head.
Edith Head’s influence extends far beyond our movie screens. Her designs single-handedly defined classical Hollywood cinema, and she showed just how essential women were to the industry in a time where men dominated costume departments.
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