Rhonda's Creative Life: rear window

Monday, March 30, 2015

Monday Morning Inspiration/Edith Head, One Last Look

Happy Monday Everyone!!! It's a glorious day here in Chicago, we have a bright blue sky, the birds are singing, and the crocuses are popping out of the ground. I took this picture while I was out on my morning walk. Now, that's enough to make anyone sing!

Everyone seemed to really enjoy the Edith Head post I did last week, so I thought I would do a little follow up this week.
I remember the first time I saw the movie "Rear Window." what a great movie by the way, a true suspense thriller. Grace Kelly walked in in this lovely suit, and then....

she took the jacket off and I was in love! Absolutely stunning.

After I posted the sketch of the costume, I received a message from Meg of www.meggipeg.com. Look at the stunning version of the costume that she created.

Absoutely beautiful. You can see her full post HERE.

Now here's the good news, you can create your own version too! Meg sent me a link to the pattern and you can find it HERE.

I also posted a sketch of this glorious dress last week.

Take another look at the sketch and notice that the final version of the gown wasn't as elaborate as the sketch.

Rosy of Sewingadicta did a beautiful copy of the gown, but she hand painted the motif on the skirt. You can see her full post on the process HERE.

Edith Head realized that the average American woman loved her designs and wanted to look like movie stars. She was extremely successful at marketing her brand, designing patterns for Advance, Butterick and Vogue. The Advance Patterns are a little more difficult to find and when you do, they are rather expensive.

The Vogue Patterns are much more readily available. Looking at this pattern, your first thought might be that it is a little dated, but take a second look. The short sleeve jacket is especially nice and if the culottes were shortened, or lengthened, they would be perfect.

And of course, this dress is basically timeless.

I found this website where you can purchase your own copy of an Edith Head sketch. They are reproductions and there are many available.

And finally, one last video. It's a short documentary, a little over 8 minutes long. It features Edith Head and talks about what it takes to be a costume designer. I thought it was very interesting and fun to watch.