The Paradise

The Paradise premiered on the BBC a few months ago, and I fell in love with the lush settings as much as the characters. In the show, the Paradise is the city's first department store. It is a symbol of the time: in fierce competition with the local businesses, offering better value and a wider selection but cutting out the craftsman. It deals with industry, modernity, class issues, and feminism, all in a stunning department store I only wish I could visit. If you haven't seen it, check it out.

So pretty!

Hats From The Women (1939) Part 2

Click here for Part 1.
Partway through the movie The Women there is a 10 minute fashion show shot in Technicolor. It is a bizarre break from the story and something the director originally wanted to take out. But it is such an interesting capsule of fashion from the time, and really showcases the work that makes costume designer Adrian's name so iconic.

Love the painted silk lining. The hands give it a bizarrely surrealistic touch

Adrian also did the designs for Wizard of Oz this year. Notice a witch theme?

Great dimensionality in the bow.

Strange early use of plastic.

Hats From The Women (1939)

The Women is a fast paced, witty movie about gossipy upper class New York wives. The costumes designed by Adrian steal the show. These women would have been wearing couture and Adrian does a great job of interpreting that look through a Hollywood lens. He suffuses glamor with surrealism. And what you get are some really put together looks finished with fabulous accessories including some marvelous broaches and some really interesting hats that at times can be gorgeous and others, really out there.

Note the Schiaparelli influence on the look on the left.

The glitziest Great-Depression era Nevada ranch I've ever seen.

What are your favorite movie hats?