Dress Up and Play

Vera Ellen in detail

Probably the most popular hits I get on this bloggie o mine is my posts on Vera Ellen- who knew she had such a following!

Well for all those searching out there, I finally found some nice detail images of the favorite Vera Ellen costume, that Edith Head creation that she wears for the 'Mandy' number in White Christmas.

Vera Ellen in a photo shoot for the Mandy number. There looks like there are some ruffles on the front leg hole that have maybe fallen apart over the years. Organza is not a fabric that usually stands the test of time.

 

We know that that train goes over that bustle to come off later, but I'm guessing they wanted to show as much as possible in the picture. I wish the gloves came with it!

Happy Easter

My favorite part about Easter is the annual Ten Commandments showing on ABC. Over the years they've moved it from Sunday to Saturday- probably because after the first of a million hours families everywhere realize they have more important things to do. But oh my goodness if it isn't the most sumptuous self indulgent film ever. I effing love it.

This a costume sketch by Marilyn Sotto from her book "The Art of Costume Design".

The designers on this film are many: Edith Head, Arnold Friberg, Dorothy Jeakins, John Jensen, and Ralph Jester.

Let's look at some more Yul Brynner in his glory.

gorgeous

 

wowza

  

great wardrobe test shots

the patterns are killing me


same costume as above but in full regalia.


Look at that snarl. You want to run away and fall into his lap at the same time.

There is a gorgeous video of clips of him from this movie here
However since whoever made that video doesn't want anyone to watch it (apparently), let's watch a funny trailer:

Life Week- Vera Ellen in White Christmas

 

 

 

Vera Ellen in White Christmas stills. Costumes are by Edith Head for the "Minstrel Show/ Mandy" song in the middle of the movie.

Vera Ellen was severely anorexic during the filming of this movie. All of her costumes have a high neckline to hide the fact that she was aging prematurely because of her condition.

From the Life archives. 

UPDATE: For an up close and personal look at this one and only gorgeous dance costume- see the later post Vera Ellen in Detail.