The great costume designers of Hollywood’s Golden Years brought an incredible amount of artistry to the screen. The creations of Adrian, Travis Banton, Helen Rose, Howard Greer, Edith Head, Irene, Orry-Kelly and many others were the epitome of style and enthralled moviegoers over many generations.

One of these great designers, Adrian, is featured in this photograph. The other person is Greta Garbo who started out in silent films and was one of the few to make a successful transition to talkies. Adrian designed many of Garbo’s gowns and here the pair look over some sketches for un upcoming production.

I was so inspired by Adrian’s remarkable work that I featured him in my novel Ashley’s Rainbow as friend and mentor to the main character, Ashley Dann. Ashley is trying to make her own way in the costume designer industry and at the same time break free from the shadow cast by her famous, selfish and self-centered actress mother.

I find that those who are great in their chosen profession, whatever it may be, always inspire others in one way or another. In the case of writers the inspiration often provides them with the germ of a story or an interesting characterization which they can further develop.

The talented Garbo pops up in my novel Gossip Column in a minor but important role.

Posted on May 17th, 2007 by Pat Turner
Filed under: Hollywood Snippets