Friday, June 20, 2014

Sewing through the Cinema~How to Marry a Millionaire~











by Amy ~ViennasGrace 

          Get your tissues ready, no not that kind of tissue silly, this isn't a tear jerker. I'm searching sewing patterns modern and vintage to find the looks featured in classic films. Although it might not be possible to duplicate the exact look, I'll show you how to easily mimic the feeling of the style. Soon you'll see that a silver screen wardrobe is only a pattern away.

HOW TO MARRY A MILLIONAIRE


    Is a 1953 Romantic Comedy about 3 women, who each set out to marry a millionaire. In the end, all marry for love.



Starring...







 

Betty Grable as Loco Dempsey; 

Marilyn Monroe as Pola Debevoise;                     

Lauren Bacall as Schatze Page.

   Watch the Original Trailer



    The film was a fashion extravaganza. 20th Century Fox cast three fabulous, fashionable actresses. Their characters were not only hunting for millionaires, they were playing the roles of fashion models! The costume designer for this movie was the close friend of Marilyn Monroe, William Travilla, under the direction of Charles LeMaire. From time to time Vintage Spadea Patterns designed by LeMaire become available through members of the Pattern Patter Team on Etsy. 
Two bombshell outfits received the majority of the media attention after the movie release, an evening gown and a bathing suit, both worn by Marilyn Monroe.






Butterick 3129                         McCall's 6569                                     Simplicity 1374





The clothing in this film is 1950s fashion at its best. The style elements that really stand out are, great hats, billowing bishop sleeves, mermaid skirted gowns, hip swags, unique necklines, wing collars, cowl boatnecks, (say that 5x fast) just so many wonderful design features! Here are just a few of the wardrobe highlights from How to Marry a Millionaire.

                            Betty Grable in a Mermaid Gown                                


                                                        DejaVuPatterns              PatternsFromthePast                    
                                                       Simplicity 8425                Vogue8190            
                                                 

The Glamorous Trio, Betty and Marilyn showing an accent on the hips.



                                                     ErikawithaK Vogue 4831                   FriskyScissors Advance 4454


Smart dressed Marilyn Monroe, in her light gold tone blouse and classic beret.

                                                              patternshop Advance 7768                                                               DesignRewindFashions Vogue 9462 
                                                 

      

 We should all lounge in such style, great view, and great vintage fashion.







                                                        
paneenjerez Simplicity 3632
                                                           retromonkeys Vogue 3536        omasbricabrac Simplicity 1510               

I love Lauren in her bouffant sleeves, what glorious sleeves. Kind of makes you rethink a peter pan collar blouse and a jumper, nothing matronly or school girl here!

FancyWork Simplicity 1085                                                         Stitchingbynumbers Simplicity 2390

Egyptian styling influence shows up throughout the film. 

                                                       anne8865 Butterick 4129          marcellassewing McCall's 4116

                                                                                    

The photo below is from a scene in the movie at Mr. Antione's Fashion House, a private fashion show just for Mr. Brookman, played by Cameron Mitchell.

Most of the ensembles had fun names: Lft to Rt. Double Frozen Daiquiris~Trouble in the Afternoon~Diamonds are a Girl's Best friend~Hard Hearted Hannah~Lookie, Lookie, Lookie~N/A~Good Afternoon Sweetheart~N/A

How can you get all this style into your closet? I told you, pull out your tissues! Pattern tissue that is, go sew it girl! Below is a Pattern Patter Team Treasury inspired by the lovely fashions in 
How to Marry a Millionaire.
View this treasury on Etsy

14 comments:

  1. Great post, Amy! Love all your finds.

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  2. Fabulous pics, Amy! What a stunning treasury and post!! Thank you so much for including my pattern! Love, love the movie too!

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  3. Great work, Amy - I love that movie - and adore the clothes. Thanks for posting this fabulous article.

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  4. Awesome article! Thanks so much, Amy!

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  5. This is absolutely fabulous work Amy! Thank you for including my mbchills pattern.

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  6. Amazing Post, Really Loved it!

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  7. Such a well-researched post, full of eye candy! Well done, Amy :-)

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  8. Wonderful post. I love the selection of styles.

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