Written by Colleen Tsoukalas (Treasure Seeker Colleen)
Published by APPLAUSE, this book deserves lots of it. The title, Dressing Marilyn, is perfect because the designer, William Travilla, is most remembered for the costumes he made for her, although he was, in his time, "The God of Costume Designers" and a prolific and fabulously talented one. It was great to read, "A Note from Linda Gray" describing how thrilled the cast of Dallas was to learn that the creator of Marilyn's dresses would be making them look glamorous in every episode, too. There were no costume mishaps for women or men and he was a friend to the stars as well as their own costumer. He loved to design, in fact, he described his clothes, especially those for Marilyn, as "an act of love".
This book is well organized and Travilla's collection is detailed through pictures, through letters and sketches and, of course, through the individual dresses. "An Interview with the Author", Andrew Hansford, is written by Karen Homer, author and fashion writer. A by chance telephone call with a long lost friend, results in Hansford being sent a box of dresses by Travilla that included many of those she wore in her most famous movies. Hansford decides to exhibit them and is shocked by the success of the seven dress show. From the hugely positive response of Marilyn's fans and the press, he realizes how much more he needs to learn about Travilla and visits Bill Sarris, Travilla's business partner and owner of much of Travilla's history and work, all in boxes and closets. It was Bill's wish that Travilla should be once again celebrated and recognized for his prolific and outstanding achievements. As Sarris says, "Whether it be my last breath or my last memory, I want you to make Travilla the household name he deserves to be." An Oscar Winner, he designed for more than one hundred movies and tv series and 270 stars, including Streisand, Flynn, Crawford, Russell and dressed Marilyn for eight of her movies. Fortunately, it was Andrew Hansford, with whom Bill Sarris decided to share this treasure trove because Hansford is as passionate about keeping the legacy alive as Travilla was about bringing characters to life through design. Hi attention to detail is reflected in the vast amount of research he cites for this book. His respect for and in interest in people is shown in his extensive interviews and thoughtful section: Author's Acknowledgements.
Travilla was born in 1920 on Catalina Island and attended the Chouinard School of Art in L.A where his talent was recognized very early on. He was attracted to the dramatic and fantastic costumes in Burlesque and sold sketches for his own designs, right from the start. Extensive travels broadened his artistry and he began working for the big Hollywood studios as well as painting. His talent was such that the stars began requesting him as their designer. A copy of a memo from Marilyn reads: " To Billy, my love. Please dress me forever. I love you." His designs, so well researched and crafted to highlight each individual's attributes and disguise any flaws, are still copied today. The book's index indicates the scope of the material: Travilla: A Biography, The Red Dress, The Gold Dress, The Pink Dress, The Purple Dress, Heat Wave, The White Dress, The Stripper, Personal Dresses, Further Classics. Because the book's title includes the magical word, Marilyn, it is about her. However, it is more about the dresses that were so skillfully created that they enhanced her every move and enhanced her shining star quality. The construction enabled her to move rather than being a passive model. The pictures and illustrations are captivating as is the history of Travilla's accomplishments. I would like to know more about him.
Published by APPLAUSE, this book deserves lots of it. The title, Dressing Marilyn, is perfect because the designer, William Travilla, is most remembered for the costumes he made for her, although he was, in his time, "The God of Costume Designers" and a prolific and fabulously talented one. It was great to read, "A Note from Linda Gray" describing how thrilled the cast of Dallas was to learn that the creator of Marilyn's dresses would be making them look glamorous in every episode, too. There were no costume mishaps for women or men and he was a friend to the stars as well as their own costumer. He loved to design, in fact, he described his clothes, especially those for Marilyn, as "an act of love".
This book is well organized and Travilla's collection is detailed through pictures, through letters and sketches and, of course, through the individual dresses. "An Interview with the Author", Andrew Hansford, is written by Karen Homer, author and fashion writer. A by chance telephone call with a long lost friend, results in Hansford being sent a box of dresses by Travilla that included many of those she wore in her most famous movies. Hansford decides to exhibit them and is shocked by the success of the seven dress show. From the hugely positive response of Marilyn's fans and the press, he realizes how much more he needs to learn about Travilla and visits Bill Sarris, Travilla's business partner and owner of much of Travilla's history and work, all in boxes and closets. It was Bill's wish that Travilla should be once again celebrated and recognized for his prolific and outstanding achievements. As Sarris says, "Whether it be my last breath or my last memory, I want you to make Travilla the household name he deserves to be." An Oscar Winner, he designed for more than one hundred movies and tv series and 270 stars, including Streisand, Flynn, Crawford, Russell and dressed Marilyn for eight of her movies. Fortunately, it was Andrew Hansford, with whom Bill Sarris decided to share this treasure trove because Hansford is as passionate about keeping the legacy alive as Travilla was about bringing characters to life through design. Hi attention to detail is reflected in the vast amount of research he cites for this book. His respect for and in interest in people is shown in his extensive interviews and thoughtful section: Author's Acknowledgements.
Travilla was born in 1920 on Catalina Island and attended the Chouinard School of Art in L.A where his talent was recognized very early on. He was attracted to the dramatic and fantastic costumes in Burlesque and sold sketches for his own designs, right from the start. Extensive travels broadened his artistry and he began working for the big Hollywood studios as well as painting. His talent was such that the stars began requesting him as their designer. A copy of a memo from Marilyn reads: " To Billy, my love. Please dress me forever. I love you." His designs, so well researched and crafted to highlight each individual's attributes and disguise any flaws, are still copied today. The book's index indicates the scope of the material: Travilla: A Biography, The Red Dress, The Gold Dress, The Pink Dress, The Purple Dress, Heat Wave, The White Dress, The Stripper, Personal Dresses, Further Classics. Because the book's title includes the magical word, Marilyn, it is about her. However, it is more about the dresses that were so skillfully created that they enhanced her every move and enhanced her shining star quality. The construction enabled her to move rather than being a passive model. The pictures and illustrations are captivating as is the history of Travilla's accomplishments. I would like to know more about him.
Currently reviewing this book!
Available from Applause books US only
1 comment:
Bet it's a fun read. Always nice getting to know the icon in ways other than scandal.
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