Growing up my brothers and I spent many sick days
and evenings watching old movies. One of my favorite memories is of our
annual summer trips to my grandparent's house in Rochester. After an
afternoon of swimming lessons, my grandfather would take us to a nearby movie
store. He knew all of the old classics, and I soon fell in love with
films featuring Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, Carey Grant, Gene Tierney,
Katherine Hepburn, and anything by Hitchcock. With a lifelong interest in film
and fashion, I was anxious to attend the Boston Museum of Fine Arts Hollywood
Glamour: Fashion & Jewelry from the Silver Screen exhibit. The
stunning presentation features photographs, jewelry, and dramatic costumes of
the 1930's and 1940's, the peak of Hollywood's most glamorous
years.
Upon entering the Loring Gallery of Textiles,
you are instantly transported back to a magical era. Time appropriate
music fills the room, as film clips relating to the exhibit play in the
distance. Edward Steichen's photographs of stars including Gloria
Swanson, Joan Crawford, and Marlene Dietrich set a dramatic tone, as you
make your way along the left side of the exhibit. Further down the left
side, stunning necklaces, broaches, and bracelets fill three display cabinets.
The most intriguing in this display, is Mae West's custom platform
shoes, designed to elevate her petite five foot figure. Along the right
side of the gallery, staggered mannequins showcase on and off screen gowns
created by Edith Head, Coco Chanel, and many others.
Overall I found the exhibit extremely successful,
with it's ability to transport you into Hollywood's most glamorous era through
photography, film, music, jewelry, and fashion. See the exhibit before it
closes on March 8, 2015. For more information, visit: www.mfa.org
Images via AGA
No comments:
Post a Comment