Fashion Icons Through The Ages: The Glamourous 30's: Part 2

Myrna Loy

When Myrna's career began she seemed to be destined to be typecast into roles of either vamp or Oriental temptress/villain. That was until she was cast in "The Thin Man" with William Powell. This was her breakout role and saw her stardom rise astronomically to become the most prolific actress of her generation. She starred in a whole series of "Thin Man" sequels and repeatedly worked with Clarke Gable and William Powell; the two hottest actors of the 30's. Myrna had so many huge roles it was really hard to narrow down which pictures to share with you. With so much exposure it's not hard to imagine how Myrna became such a massive fashion icon. Take a look for yourself at the "Queen of the Movies!". 

Just look at that face!!!

Mae West

Well now, Mae could never be described as a shrinking violet! She is probably one of the most controversial ladies in our whole icon series and seemed to be in constant battle with the censorship industry. Like many others actors in the Golden age she started out in Vaudeville. Mae was witty, full of personality and oozed sex appeal. Her movie career surprisingly only began when she was close to 40 (practically unheard of in those days) and lasted for decades. It included work in radio, Broadway and Vegas. Today, Mae West is probably as well known for her sharp and spunky quotes as she is for her film work.

"When I'm good, I'm very good, but when I'm bad, I'm better!"

"I don't like myself, I'm crazy about myself!"

"I didn't discover curves, I only uncovered them"

I'll try anything once, twice if I like it, three times to make sure."

Quite the little minx right? Mae West we salute you! 

Ginger Rogers

I'm pretty sure Ginger Rogers needs no introduction. She is phenomenally well known for her dancing partnership with Fred Astaire. Miss Rogers is another screen siren who started in Vaudeville but quickly moved onto the stage and motion pictures. Not only did Ginger star in over 70 films but she also won an Academy Award and was at one point the highest paid woman in America!!! Her dancing chemistry with Fred Astaire was astonishing and cinema goers marvelled at their footwork. But Ginger is a star in her own right and a fashion icon as well as a dance icon.  

How cute is this sporty look!

Despite being a more casual look, this is one of my favourites!

Spotlight on Designers at Dirty Fabulous: Kiviette

We have some special gems in the store at the moment so I thought I would tell you a little more about their provenence!

First up is
"Kiviette"

This beautiful 1940's strapless gown is currently in stock with us at Dirty Fabulous.

Bust - 40"

Waist - 30"

Born Yetta Schminsky,in 1893, she married Abel Kiviat and thereafter used the single name Kiviette professionally.

She designed for both theatre and fashion and was a very famous Broadway designer particularly during the 1930's.
Her Broadway career spanned from 1917 to 1948 and encompassed forty five Broadway shows, all musicals except two. 

She continued designing commercial fashion until the 1950's.

These original sketches by Kiviette were discovered in 1981 by museum director Oskar Pausch in The Theatre Museum at the Lobkowitz Palace in Vienna.

They were among an incredible 1,400 original sketches for musicals and musical revues produced on Broadway from 1900 to 1925 by over 66 American designers (20 of which have yet to be identified).

No one is quite sure how this collection came to be there but oh how I would love to see this astonishing array of sketches!!
They are so glamorous I can only imagine what the actual costumes were like, I'm picturing lush velvet, shimmering silks and sparkling jewels!

  

They are completely charming and full of fun!

During her Broadway career she designed for many, soon to be stars including, Fred and Adele Astaire (Fred's older sister and dance partner for 27 years)

Funny Face, Original Broadway production, 1927

Costumes by Kiviette

Music and Lyrics by Ira and George Gershwin

Tillie Losch, Fred Astaire, Adele Astaire, Frank Morgan & Helen Broderick

Tillie Losch

Fred Astaire and his sister Adele

The above photos are from the Broadway production of The Band Wagon, with costumes by Kiviette, New Amsterdam Theatre 1931 - 1932. 

This would be the last time that Fred performed on stage with his sister before she retired to marry Lord Charles Cavendish.

This is Lee Merriweather, winner of Miss America 1955 in a fabulous Kiviette evening gown

We always find it so astonishing to be able to look back at at the history of our vintage dresses.

It's thrilling to learn so much wonderful details about a piece in our collection.

This is especially possible when they have been created by a well known designer.

It makes them even more special!!!