Edith Head was a famous film costume designer known for her clean and flattering designs. She worked for Paramount Studios and won 8 Academy Awards, influencing ready-to-wear and couture fashion. She died in 1981 after completing work on Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid.
When you watch a film made from 1945 to 1970, observe women wearing dresses that are clean and understated lines, beautifully made and flattering to their exact figures. Chances are they’re wearing one of Edith Head’s designs. Edith Head was one of the most famous film costume designers of the 20th century. Her signature large, round, black glasses made her instantly recognisable.
Edith Head was born in 1897 in San Bernardino, California, and although she was a trained schoolteacher, she went to work in the costume department for Paramount Studios while motion pictures were still in the silent era. In the early 1930s, Edith Head was established and was known as a leading costume designer.
Under the infamous studio system, Edith Head took credit for the work that all of her designers did – as did most head designers – but every design had to be approved by her and had to meet her exacting standards. In fact, she Edith Head designed fashions that were far superior to the films they appeared in.
He designed for several Elvis Presley films and the Hope-CrosRoad films. She was also the lead designer on such films as Roman Holiday, Funny Face, The Farmer’s Daughter, Marnie and Vertigo. She has been nominated for 34 Academy Awards for her work and won eight, more than any other woman in any category.
Edith Head also wrote books on fashion and appeared in “Art Linkletter’s House Party” in the 1950s. Her designs greatly influenced ready-to-wear designers and even set the trend for couture in that era. Edith Head’s work appealed to the “normal” woman. She was accessible. Any woman could imagine wearing the lovely gray tweed suit that Kim Novak wears in Vertigo. Who wouldn’t look better in such a dress?
Edith Head was a private woman, but considered warm and hospitable in her home, where she threw legendary parties. She died on October 24, 1981 after completing work on Steve Martin’s film, Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid. Her career had truly come full circle as she designed the 1940s costumes for the film.
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