My father was a designer of womens' coats and suits,for several fashion houses in NYC...He was a big buff of Hollywood glamour. He knew all the details of who designed for whom...he often spoke of Adrian and Edith Head. I have my father's sketches of evening gowns, framed throughout my home. They are quite wonderful!! Lovely video,my dad would have much enjoyed.❤
Some years ago the Smithsonian had an Adrian woman’s suit on display. The fabric was narrow stripes of alternating light and dark brown, cut on the bias. As you studied it, you realized that at every seam those stripes were perfectly matched. As a bit of bravura, there were two sections about an an inch square just below each lapel, where the fabric had been reversed - and still every stripe matched. Remarkable tailoring.
Thank you for this marvelous look back at Adrian! I had no idea he was married to Janet Gaynor, what a great tidbit to know! His designs set the look of the Depression and World War II era, and I am so happy to learn more about him.
The real love of Janet Gaynor's life was Broadway legend Mary Martin, who was also married to a gay man, second husband Richard Halliday, a critic, writer, and producer who wound up as Mary's manager. The two couples owned properties in Brazil so they could be near each other.
Beautiful created bio. I never forget an incredible surprise while working at the Fashion Institute of Technology Museum in the early 80's, when a shipment of a recent procurement of Adrian's creations from the Philadelphia Museum Of Art arrived in front of me. Being a fashion history buff & design student.....i froze ....totally in awe ! Adrian's workmanship was on par or better than a couturier. They were GOLD, and with just touching them one could feel the pleasure they must have conjured when being worn. Another reason he isn't as "well known" was the time period. Adrian retired with old hollywood & at the same time, active within the studios at a time when he was a part of the "hollywood Smokescreen" trend to make all their stars appear as natural born glamor gods. It wasn't till shortly afterwards that the big studios started to highlight and publicly promote the artist from behind the scenes, of which Edith Head was at the top. Another death choice was not having a younger successor to continue the use of his name. The timing to completely "drop out" of society is the biggest nail in his career coffin.
About 20 years ago I saw a movie called "The Toy Wife". The dresses were so spectacular I had to find out who designed them. That lead me to Adrian, and then discovered he did "The Wizard of Oz" and "The Women", both 1939. I'm surprised the film didn't mention the fashion show in "The Women". If you want to see more of his clothing, check out that film. I have been a fan of his ever since. A remarkable genius.
When the Adrian quote popped up, about smacking the audience in the face, first thing I thought of was those hands on that one dress in the Fashion Show!
edith head never worked at mgm...she was at paramount... and later at universal. at times she may have been loaned to different studios at the request of certain stars like bette davis and barbara stanwyck. that was a fairly glaring error to make in this video.
Excellent narrative and biography, focusing on Adrian's creativity, eye for balance and a truly gifted ability of creating fabric designs. I'm wondering who his fabric manufacturer was because the precision of the fabric pattern must be perfect in order for the fabric pattern to line up when sewing the garment. Additionally he used lavish fabrics and the tailors and/or seamstresses had to be exceptionally skilled - perfectionists! Especially for the pieces created with fabric insertions for contrast and uniqueness. In fact, that's what makes "couture" couture...the fabric quality, print and drape which is then used for a precisely FIT pattern, and including little details such as tabs, fasteners, invisible zippers ( everything a challenge if working with diaphanous materials!!), ETC. Wonderful, too that Adrian branched out from exclusively designing costumes. I LOVE the 40's styles - fitted, sleek, constructed, multi-pieced and the HATS!!! Thank you for your presentation!! A wonderful walk through the creative field of geniuses
He was born Gilbert Adolph Greenburg. Edith Head did not succeed Adrian as head designer at MGM, Robert Kalloch, formerly at Columbia, succeeded Adrian. Edith Head was the main designer at Paramount; then at Universal.
Ironically, his dresses were so over-the-top because of black & white! Without color, they used shape and form to create interest and excitement with the clothes..
😲 1930s & 1940s Hollywood fashions were very glamorous but aristocratic. That era’s ‘ dress to the nines ’ films made actors look and feel more relaxed in such fancy dress apparel than people were in reality. It was definitely a vogue look more appropriate for movie stars and socialites than others
I love Adrian, and while he's very important in terms of Hollywood costume, he's a footnote in fashion history largely because he borrowed *extremely* heavily from Schiaparelli, especially for his work outside of costume design. There were a fair number of American brands that basically just adapted current Haute Couture styles for the American market. Basically all of them are unknown outside of vintage fashion collectors, and Adrian's two fashion labels function similarly to those brands. He more or less adapted Schiaparelli's look for American audiences. He did beautiful work, and his pieces are very sought after by vintage collectors, but his work outside of Hollywood wasn't wildly original.
MGM didn't expect Adrian to do any public outreach. By the time Edith Head took his place, she had to do quite a bit of outreach. She had a fashion column in a magazine and I think she did some radio shows and nation-wide speaking tours. Those activities turned her into a household name - well-deserved, of course. Adrian just didn't engage in studio PR campaigns. I think the studios got more involved with that after WW2 and he was gone by then. Interesting bio, lots of good info.
Edith Head was in charge of costumes at Paramount, not MGM. Irene (Gibbons) and then Helen Rose were the main designers there for contemporary women's fashion in the 40's and 50's (with Walter Plunkett handling much of the period costuming).
Correction: The film referenced in this video is not The Merry Widow with Mae Murray but the second version with Jeanette Mc Donald and Maurice Chevalier in the early 1930's. Mae's version was released in 1925.
One of the Katherine Hepburn photos was from the stage production of The Philadelphia Story( which he didnt design for). It was the one on the far right
My grandmother 's cousin, won an Academy Award for creating the costumes for the movie "Zulu". It was made in the early 1960's , and it was really, really great. I love film noir, and I always look to see who did the costumes and make up. Gowns by Adrian, are always superb. Thanks for this, really appreciate your research and hard work?
I got a laugh when the robot narrator referred to Greta Garbo as Adrian's first 'moos'. To be honest, she did often look a little bovine around the udders.
If you are show a photo of Mae Murray then show a photo of Mae Murray not Jeanette MacDonald, plus Katharine Hepburn was under contract to RKO Radio Pictures NOT MGM. Get your information right before you make your videos which has many mistakes about the history of Hollywood that's if you are serious about Hollywood's Golden Era which seems NOT to be after watching this video.
Why does this video focus so much on Joan Crawford? She was mentioned several times, with the shoulder pads! Adrian created the Bias cut slinky dresses for Jean Harlow! She was never mentioned! The period costumes he designed for Norma Shearer... The costumes for the munckins he did for the Wizard of Oz... There were over 400 costumes! If you watch the film carefully, every one of them were different! MGM wanted him to do the costumes for Gone With The Wind...His hands were already full, so they gave to Walter Plunkette! BTW EDITH HEAD DID NOT WORK AT MGM! 😊
And Yes, Edith Head did not work for MGM. Instead, she was primarily associated with Paramount Pictures and later Universal Studios. Edith Head was a highly influential costume designer who worked at Paramount for over four decades, starting in 1923. In 1967, she moved to Universal Studios, where she remained until her death in 1981. During her career, she won eight Academy Awards, making her one of the most recognized figures in costume design. While she did design costumes for some films distributed by MGM, she was never employed by the studio.
CAN YOU IMAGINE BEING THEIR, OR WALKING INTO AN OLD ADRIAN BEVERLY HILLS STORE OR SALON. WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TOO PURCHASE AN ADRIAN ORIGINAL.
WHERE IS ADRIAN THESE DAYS? DESGINING HOODIES, PLASTIC CLOTHING AND BAGGIE SWEATPANTS FOR ALL THE FASHION CONSCIOUS ANGELS IN HEAVEN? WE NEED HIM BACK, DESPERATELY!!!!
Edith Head replaced Adrian at MGM??????????????????????????????????????????????????? I think Robert Kalloch and Irene might have disagreed with that statement.
Hi! Robert Kalloch (often credited as Kalloch) was a notable costume designer in Hollywood during the 1930s and 1940s. He worked for Columbia Pictures and later MGM (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer). Kalloch was known for designing elegant and glamorous costumes for iconic actresses of the time, including Carole Lombard, Rosalind Russell, and Jean Arthur. In contrast to Gilbert Adrian, who was more well-known for his extravagant designs, Kalloch’s style was often more understated and sophisticated. Both designers helped define the look of Hollywood’s Golden Age, though Kalloch’s work at MGM came later in his career. I told totally about Edith😉
Hi!❤️ Which one? I have relied on solid sources in the world of fashion history, and I am happy to discuss sports topics! Moreover, in a dispute the truth is born, and therefore I will be very glad to hear other opinions on the issue at hand.
@@quester09 Surrealism, with its dreamlike and sometimes bizarre imagery, had an influence on fashion in the early 20th century. Adrian’s ability to blend fantasy with function allowed him to incorporate surrealist elements subtly, especially in films that required a more avant-garde or otherworldly look. However, his primary influences were often rooted in Hollywood glamour and the need to create visually striking designs for the screen❤️
My father was a designer of womens' coats and suits,for several fashion houses in NYC...He was a big buff of Hollywood glamour. He knew all the details of who designed for whom...he often spoke of Adrian and Edith Head. I have my father's sketches of evening gowns, framed throughout my home. They are quite wonderful!! Lovely video,my dad would have much enjoyed.❤
Wow!!!That’s absolutely great!!!!Thank you❤️❤️❤️
@@FashionQuestion 💜💜💜
@@FashionQuestion ...in addition..my sister and I are named after two high fashion models from that era.😸
@@bettinarossi7908 thank you❤️
@@bettinarossi7908 😲👌
Some years ago the Smithsonian had an Adrian woman’s suit on display. The fabric was narrow stripes of alternating light and dark brown, cut on the bias. As you studied it, you realized that at every seam those stripes were perfectly matched. As a bit of bravura, there were two sections about an an inch square just below each lapel, where the fabric had been reversed - and still every stripe matched. Remarkable tailoring.
Thanks for your memories!❤️
Thank you for this marvelous look back at Adrian! I had no idea he was married to Janet Gaynor, what a great tidbit to know! His designs set the look of the Depression and World War II era, and I am so happy to learn more about him.
Thank you so much for watching ❤️❤️❤️
The real love of Janet Gaynor's life was Broadway legend Mary Martin, who was also married to a gay man, second husband Richard Halliday, a critic, writer, and producer who wound up as Mary's manager. The two couples owned properties in Brazil so they could be near each other.
@@akrenwinkle 😲
ADRIAN was a brilliant artist!!
Fully agree ❤️
Beautiful created bio. I never forget an incredible surprise while working at the Fashion Institute of Technology Museum in the early 80's, when a shipment of a recent procurement of Adrian's creations from the Philadelphia Museum Of Art arrived in front of me. Being a fashion history buff & design student.....i froze ....totally in awe ! Adrian's workmanship was on par or better than a couturier. They were GOLD, and with just touching them one could feel the pleasure they must have conjured when being worn.
Another reason he isn't as "well known" was the time period. Adrian retired with old hollywood & at the same time, active within the studios at a time when he was a part of the "hollywood Smokescreen" trend to make all their stars appear as natural born glamor gods. It wasn't till shortly afterwards that the big studios started to highlight and publicly promote the artist from behind the scenes, of which Edith Head was at the top. Another death choice was not having a younger successor to continue the use of his name. The timing to completely "drop out" of society is the biggest nail in his career coffin.
Wow!thank you!!it was very interesting 😲
His designs are timeless and Amazing
Thank you for watching !❤️
About 20 years ago I saw a movie called "The Toy Wife". The dresses were so spectacular I had to find out who designed them. That lead me to Adrian, and then discovered he did "The Wizard of Oz" and "The Women", both 1939. I'm surprised the film didn't mention the fashion show in "The Women". If you want to see more of his clothing, check out that film. I have been a fan of his ever since. A remarkable genius.
Thank you very much!I will watch!
When the Adrian quote popped up, about smacking the audience in the face, first thing I thought of was those hands on that one dress in the Fashion Show!
@@trudygreer2491 😲
Ive always loved the 1930s bias-cut satin dresses. So glamorous 🤗🥰💃💃
Oh yes!
edith head never worked at mgm...she was at paramount... and later at universal. at times she may have been loaned to different studios at the request of certain stars like bette davis and barbara stanwyck. that was a fairly glaring error to make in this video.
Ok,thank you !
Can you do more videos about old Hollywood?
Thank you!🎉
Off course,will do!!!Thank you❤️
Thank you for a superb segment on one of the most fascinating couturiers!
Thank you for watching!!!🕊️
@@FashionQuestion Looking forward to see your other segments! Happy to have found your channel! More power to you!
@@isaganipalanca8803 Thank you❤️❤️❤️
Excellent narrative and biography, focusing on Adrian's creativity, eye for balance and a truly gifted ability of creating fabric designs. I'm wondering who his fabric manufacturer was because the precision of the fabric pattern must be perfect in order for the fabric pattern to line up when sewing the garment. Additionally he used lavish fabrics and the tailors and/or seamstresses had to be exceptionally skilled - perfectionists! Especially for the pieces created with fabric insertions for contrast and uniqueness. In fact, that's what makes "couture" couture...the fabric quality, print and drape which is then used for a precisely FIT pattern, and including little details such as tabs, fasteners, invisible zippers ( everything a challenge if working with diaphanous materials!!), ETC. Wonderful, too that Adrian branched out from exclusively designing costumes. I LOVE the 40's styles - fitted, sleek, constructed, multi-pieced and the HATS!!! Thank you for your presentation!! A wonderful walk through the creative field of geniuses
Hi❤️Thank you for your such a detailed addition!it's very informative and interesting!
What a fabulous documentary. This is so well done.
Thank you So much!!!!❤️❤️❤️
Joan Crawford wore Adrian Gowns for her career at MGM studios.
He was born Gilbert Adolph Greenburg. Edith Head did not succeed Adrian as head designer at MGM, Robert Kalloch, formerly at Columbia, succeeded Adrian. Edith Head was the main designer at Paramount; then at Universal.
Adrian knew how to dress a movie star.
100%🕊️
That time is over! Today there are only junkies running around!
Excellent job of bringing notoriety to this creative genius that otherwise would have been forgotten thank you ❤❤❤
Thank you so much!!!❤️❤️❤️
Recognition, not notoriety.
@@jamesmcinnis208 👌
Well done. Love Adrian's artistry.
Thank you!!❤️
It would be lovely we could see more in colour to appreciate his designs even better.
check out a film "The Women". It's in black and white but the "fashion show" segment is in color. You can find it on RUclips.
Ironically, his dresses were so over-the-top because of black & white! Without color, they used shape and form to create interest and excitement with the clothes..
I love butterflies!!❤❤❤
Really enjoying learning about these designers and seeing their clothes. Some of them do amazing work.
Thanks for the vid.
Thank you so much for watching!❤️
his designs are so timeless it makes me kinda emotional
👌❤️
Absolutely marvelous thanks
Thank you for watching ❤️❤️❤️
I am so glad I discovered your channel! Your video's are so informative and profession. Well done! ⭐
Oh,thank you so much!!!very nice❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I love Arian so much. He's my favorite stylist 💜💜
Thank you for watching 🌷❤️
Thank You, how wonderful to discover ADRIAN!!!
Thank you for watching ❤️
Those pants in the thumbnail were decades ahead of its time. 🕺✨
Yes!!Thanks for watching 🖤
Thank you. Very interesting and enlightening.
Thank you so much for watching ❤️
😲 1930s & 1940s Hollywood fashions were very glamorous but aristocratic. That era’s ‘ dress to the nines ’ films made actors look and feel more relaxed in such fancy dress apparel than people were in reality. It was definitely a vogue look more appropriate for movie stars and socialites than others
❤️
It gave the "everyday" folks in the movie house something to dream about, especially in those dark days...
@@trudygreer2491 Yes, I understand you very well. Times are tough.
A genius
Absolutely 👌
speachless
I love Adrian, and while he's very important in terms of Hollywood costume, he's a footnote in fashion history largely because he borrowed *extremely* heavily from Schiaparelli, especially for his work outside of costume design. There were a fair number of American brands that basically just adapted current Haute Couture styles for the American market. Basically all of them are unknown outside of vintage fashion collectors, and Adrian's two fashion labels function similarly to those brands. He more or less adapted Schiaparelli's look for American audiences. He did beautiful work, and his pieces are very sought after by vintage collectors, but his work outside of Hollywood wasn't wildly original.
Thank you very much for your opinion!Very interesting!!
MGM didn't expect Adrian to do any public outreach. By the time Edith Head took his place, she had to do quite a bit of outreach. She had a fashion column in a magazine and I think she did some radio shows and nation-wide speaking tours. Those activities turned her into a household name - well-deserved, of course.
Adrian just didn't engage in studio PR campaigns. I think the studios got more involved with that after WW2 and he was gone by then.
Interesting bio, lots of good info.
Thank you!😲
Edith Head was in charge of costumes at Paramount, not MGM.
Irene (Gibbons) and then Helen Rose were the main designers there for contemporary women's fashion in the 40's and 50's (with Walter Plunkett handling much of the period costuming).
A video on Surrealist fashion is in order!
Thank you for the idea!!!!Will do❤️
Correction: The film referenced in this video is not The Merry Widow with Mae Murray but the second version with Jeanette Mc Donald and Maurice Chevalier in the early 1930's. Mae's version was released in 1925.
Thank you!!!❤️
One of the Katherine Hepburn photos was from the stage production of The Philadelphia Story( which he didnt design for). It was the one on the far right
Great!will note this information!!
Thank you very much!❤️
You miss the great ziegfeld 1936 movie
😲thanks !!!
My grandmother 's cousin, won an Academy Award for creating the costumes for the movie "Zulu". It was made in the early 1960's , and it was really, really great.
I love film noir, and I always look to see who did the costumes and make up. Gowns by Adrian, are always superb.
Thanks for this, really appreciate your research and hard work?
Thank you so much!!!!❤️❤️❤️
I got a laugh when the robot narrator referred to Greta Garbo as Adrian's first 'moos'. To be honest, she did often look a little bovine around the udders.
Hi!
I’m glad that my content was able to lift your spirits. Thank you for watching, and I wish you to laugh as much as possible in life.😉❤️
7:24 that butterfly is Damien hirst wow
❤️
❤❤❤❤❤
😉❤️
i love every thing he designed
Thank you!!!
If you are show a photo of Mae Murray then show a photo of Mae Murray not Jeanette MacDonald, plus Katharine Hepburn was under contract to RKO Radio Pictures NOT MGM. Get your information right before you make your videos which has many mistakes about the history of Hollywood that's if you are serious about Hollywood's Golden Era which seems NOT to be after watching this video.
Thank you so much!I will check❤️
Class
👌
Why does this video focus so much on Joan Crawford?
She was mentioned several times, with the shoulder pads!
Adrian created the Bias cut slinky dresses for Jean Harlow!
She was never mentioned!
The period costumes he designed for Norma Shearer...
The costumes for the munckins he did for the Wizard of Oz...
There were over 400 costumes!
If you watch the film carefully, every one of them were different!
MGM wanted him to do the costumes for Gone With The Wind...His hands were already full, so they gave to Walter Plunkette!
BTW
EDITH HEAD DID NOT WORK AT MGM!
😊
Thank you so much ,very informative and interesting information ❤️
And Yes, Edith Head did not work for MGM. Instead, she was primarily associated with Paramount Pictures and later Universal Studios. Edith Head was a highly influential costume designer who worked at Paramount for over four decades, starting in 1923. In 1967, she moved to Universal Studios, where she remained until her death in 1981. During her career, she won eight Academy Awards, making her one of the most recognized figures in costume design. While she did design costumes for some films distributed by MGM, she was never employed by the studio.
@FashionQuestion
Thank you very much for all your work and info.
BUT your video stated she worked for MGM...
Just pointing it out..
@@AmericanBeautyCorset thank you so much!!❤️I will check the info😒
Last Thursday on RuPaul's Drag Race UK, a drag queen called Marmalade wore a costume she said was inspired by an Adrian design.
Hmmm❤️
CAN YOU IMAGINE BEING THEIR, OR WALKING INTO AN OLD ADRIAN BEVERLY HILLS STORE OR SALON. WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TOO PURCHASE AN ADRIAN ORIGINAL.
Wow!!!!
Wonder why this is the first time I’m hearing of him?
Hi!I don’t know😁
@@FashionQuestion he’s a very talented legend, amazing!
@@chadkosakowski3327 ❤️
great
Thank you!!!❤️
Your photograph of Joan Crawford holding a gun is a gown NOT created by Adrian. I am trying to find out who, but it isn't Adrian.
Really?😲
❤
❤️❤️❤️
⚜️💜
❤️❤️❤️
WHERE IS ADRIAN THESE DAYS? DESGINING HOODIES, PLASTIC CLOTHING AND BAGGIE SWEATPANTS FOR ALL THE FASHION CONSCIOUS ANGELS IN HEAVEN?
WE NEED HIM BACK, DESPERATELY!!!!
100%❤️
Edith Head replaced Adrian at MGM???????????????????????????????????????????????????
I think Robert Kalloch and Irene might have disagreed with that statement.
Hi!
Robert Kalloch (often credited as Kalloch) was a notable costume designer in Hollywood during the 1930s and 1940s. He worked for Columbia Pictures and later MGM (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer). Kalloch was known for designing elegant and glamorous costumes for iconic actresses of the time, including Carole Lombard, Rosalind Russell, and Jean Arthur.
In contrast to Gilbert Adrian, who was more well-known for his extravagant designs, Kalloch’s style was often more understated and sophisticated. Both designers helped define the look of Hollywood’s Golden Age, though Kalloch’s work at MGM came later in his career.
I told totally about Edith😉
Unfortunately, the A.I. narration ruins this very interesting video.
Sorry to here that 🖤
AI did the voice. 😢
Thanks for watching ❤️Valerie
"size of colors". Well. We're not there yet, dear.
🤔
klee entail? lol, the pretension
😲🤔
Adulated? WTF?
🫤
Love Adrian; so talented. Regarding the narrator: Enough with the fake English accents already! Adds nothing to the video.
Thank you for watching!Ok🙁
So much misinformation in this video.
Hi!❤️
Which one?
I have relied on solid sources in the world of fashion history, and I am happy to discuss sports topics!
Moreover, in a dispute the truth is born, and therefore I will be very glad to hear other opinions on the issue at hand.
Thank you from Iran.
We can't wait for our jews to come back home
😲🇺🇦
His deigns appear to be a cousin of scialparelli
It was the same time😉
they were both influenced by surrealism
Adrian had Hollywood while Schiaparelli had an atelier in Paris.
@@NewYorkerinLondon7 👌😂
@@quester09 Surrealism, with its dreamlike and sometimes bizarre imagery, had an influence on fashion in the early 20th century. Adrian’s ability to blend fantasy with function allowed him to incorporate surrealist elements subtly, especially in films that required a more avant-garde or otherworldly look.
However, his primary influences were often rooted in Hollywood glamour and the need to create visually striking designs for the screen❤️