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National Public Radio aired a story yesterday about the exhibit opening at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston featuring Hollywood fashion and glamour. I found it interesting that the reporter refered to Mae West as the Marilyn Monroe of the 1930's There was also discussion of Carole Lombard's gown from No Man of Her Own. The museum website has a few photos. It is interesting that the jewelry is real and probably the personal jewelry of the stars rather than the "costume" jewelry that was used in the films. I was fortunate to be able to see a large exhibit of jewelry used in the movies that was part of a vintage clothing show in Seattle years ago. The widow of Joseff who supplied a lot of the jewelry was there promoting the book on the jewelry.

BGM wrote:I found it interesting that the reporter refered to Mae West as the Marilyn Monroe of the 1930's...

Ah, yes, that sounds like one of Susan Stamberg's typically brilliant observations. (Hell, I think she's old enough to have attended one of Mae's premiers.)

Here's the piece: http://www.npr.org/2014/11/28/363545181 ... ts-shimmer" target="_blank (Like to see the one that was shrink-fitted around Pauline Starke in What Men Want.)

Some of the links on the Museum website have a better selection of photos and lots more info on the items in the exhibit.

I happened to be in Boston when the show opened this fall. It's a small exhibit, but a choice selection of gowns (plus jewelry and shoes). Seeing these breathtakingly beautiful dresses up close gave me greater-than-ever appreciation of (1) the wonderful designers in 1930s Hollywood (the Costume Design Oscar should have been created much earlier to award to Adrian particularly), and (2) the gorgeously proportioned bodies that once slipped inside those gowns. (Also, I now have absolutely no doubt the underwear most definitely was NOT worn under some of the dresses!)

The world truly lost something wonder when Hollywood glamour ended, and actors started dressing like ordinary people in an ordinary world.

K in VA wrote: ...The world truly lost something wonder when Hollywood glamour ended, and actors started dressing like ordinary people in an ordinary world.

When vulgar became chic, you mean. Glamour ended with the demise of pride in their profession.