In the golden era of Hollywood, where glamour and elegance adorned the silver screen, one name stood out among the stars, albeit not in front of the camera but behind it – legendary costume designer Edith Head.
Edith Head: A name behind the glamour
Renowned for her unparalleled talent, distinctive style, and visionary approach to costume design, Edith Head shaped the look of some of the most celebrated films in cinema history. Her contributions to the world of costume design were truly exceptional, shaping the visual landscape of classic Hollywood and influencing fashion and film for generations to come.
Early life and education of Edith Head
Born on October 28, 1897, in San Bernardino, California, Edith received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California and in 1920 earned a Master of Arts degree in romance languages from Stanford University. She became a language teacher, teaching French at The Bishop’s School in La Jolla and Spanish at the Hollywood School for Girls. Eager for a higher salary, she told her superiors that she could also teach art, despite having only briefly studied it at high school, and so to finetune her skills, took evening drawing classes at the Otis Art Institute and Chouinard Art College.
From teacher to designer: Edith’s journey
In 1924, despite lacking any specific experience, Edith was hired as a sketch artist at Paramount Pictures. It wasn’t long before her talent and eye for detail caught the attention of the studio heads, propelling her into the spotlight as a costume designer. She began designing costumes for silent films, starting with The Wanderer in 1925, and by the 1930s had established herself as one of Hollywood’s leading costume designers. She worked at Paramount for 43 years before moving to Universal Pictures in 1967.
Iconic collaborations and award-winning designs
Edith’s designs were more than just garments worn by actors for movies; they worked as extensions of character and seamlessly elevated the storytelling. Her meticulous approach and ability to truly capture the essence of a character, as well as her adaptability and versatility, set her aside from other designers of the time. Her collaborations with some of the most legendary actors and directors of the time, from Alfred Hitchcock to Audrey Hepburn, culminated in some of the most memorable looks of the silver screen. Between 1949 and 1973, Edith won eight Academy Awards for Best Costume Design, making her the most awarded woman in the Academy’s history.
Edith Head’s lasting legacy in costume design
Edith Head’s legacy endures as an epitome of creativity, innovation, and sheer artistry in costume design. Her impact on classic Hollywood and the fashion world remains unmatched, leaving an indelible imprint on the history of cinema and style. She stands as a testament to the transformative power of clothing, which not only adorns characters but also defines narratives, leaving an everlasting impression on audiences worldwide.
This article was originally published under the title Dressing for Success in Issue 36 – The Mindful Quiet. You can purchase previous issues and enjoy more enchanting content here.
