Monday would have been the 116th birthday of the woman responsible for costuming some of the biggest actors during the “Golden Age of Film.” And on the eve of All Hallows Eve (the most widely accepted day of costume wearing, right?) it seems both interesting and apropos to show her some love. Edith Head, easily the most celebrated costume designer in film history, designed for over 400 productions throughout a career that spanned five decades. She earned an impressive eight Oscars and worked with pretty much every silver screen legend from Audrey Hepburn to Elizabeth Taylor to Cary Grant. Remember Audrey’s Givenchy ball gown in Sabrina? Had Head never put her in couture- a move that was unheard of in the film industry at the time- we may never have had subsequent on-screen high fashion moments (who would Holly Golightly have been without her little black dress?!).
The Cut featured 30 of Edith Head’s most memorable costumes from a gaggle of Hollywood’s iconic films. Her influence on film is far reaching and eternal. I mean, she was even immortalized by Pixar as the flamboyant fashionista/cartoon character Edna Mode in the film The Incredibles. But you don’t have to take my word for it! Hear it from the woman herself: “If it’s a Paramount film I probably designed it.”
Take a look at some of my favorite on-screen looks curated by Edith Head. Do you have a favorite? Hmm?
NATALIE WAY 