Kim Novak

Take #2: The Meaning of Leaning in Hollywood

October 8, 2014 by Robert J. Avrech 10 Comments

Jean Harlow propped up on a leaning board between scenes for Dinner at Eight ('33). The Adrian designed gown was so tight that Harlow could not sit, nor wear any undergarments. — Jean Harlow propped up on a leaning board between scenes for “Dinner at Eight” (’33). The Adrian designed gown was so tight that Harlow could not sit. In fact, Harlow was sewn into the gown — sans underwear.

Leaning boards ( also called Slant boards) were invented for Hollywood players to relax between takes. Frequently, the costumes were cut on the bias, and tailored so snugly that the actor could not sit without bursting a ladder of seams. In fact, most of the time, there were no zippers or buttons on the costumes. Actors were stitched into their garments.

When you see Jean Harlow in Dinner at Eight, and marvel at the impeccable fit of the famous white silk gown, be aware that Harlow’s mobility was severely limited. In fact, just breathing was something of a chore.

Remember, classic Hollywood movies were designed to project images of glamour. For the screen, costumes had to be photogenic. Comfort and practicality were of little concern.

These days, leaning boards are still in use, but they are the exception rather than the rule.

Valley of the Modest Dolls

September 25, 2013 by Robert J. Avrech 10 Comments

Tippi Hedrin was a model before Hitchcock summoned her to Hollywood to star in “The Birds.” — Tippi Hedrin was a model before Hitchcock summoned her to Hollywood to star in *The Birds* (’63).

Seraphic Secret likes to follow trends in fashion. Our mission is to ignore the slutwear that parades as cutting edge design and focus instead on beautifully tailored outfits that are both flattering, ladylike, and modest.

As always, we do not highlight pant suits; they are a crime against femininity.

We are happy to report that the most interesting trend for Spring RTW ’14 is a flashback to the classic feminine silhouette with lots of color and lovely patterns.

The best outfits are a welcome reprise of the feminine 50s, featuring the crisp glamour of Grace Kelly, Kim Novak, Tippi Hedrin, Eva Marie Saint and Brigitte Bardot.

Hollywood Stars and Cars: I Drive Therefore I Am

May 9, 2013 by Robert J. Avrech 21 Comments

America has long had a love affair with the automobile. Cars are the ultimate expression of form, function, fashion — and speed.

But most of all the car represents freedom.

Try and remember when you were a teenager yearning for your driver’s license so you could hop into daddy’s car and go, go, go. It didn’t matter where, you just wanted to burn rubber and escape into the far horizon.

The exhilarating and touching American Graffiti (’73) is the ultimate expression of American car culture. Every scene takes place in a car, or beside a car.

Los Angeles was the first America city built to accommodate the automobile. And the movie stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age, most born dirt-poor, expressed delight in their sudden prosperity and fame by purchasing and posing with their dream machines.

Twenty Greatest Movies of the 1950s: Vertigo

April 11, 2013 by Robert J. Avrech 31 Comments

Jimmy Stewart and Kim Novak in Vertigo, 1958.

We continue our survey of the twenty greatest movies of the 1950s.

For the Twenty Greatest Movies of the 1940s, click here.

For a listing of the greatest movies of the 20s and 30s click here.

18. Vertigo, 1958

In 1962, Sight & Sound magazine, a British publication, launched a ten-yearly poll to evaluate the top ten films of all time among critics. Every year the top film of all time has been Citizen Kane, 1941.

Which tells you more about the film elites than about Orson Welles’ technically marvelous, if shallow and boring movie.

This year, the Sight & Sound poll came in with a new winner: Vertigo.

Friday Fashion: The Past Is The Present

February 17, 2012 by Robert J. Avrech 16 Comments

automotivator(86) — Legendary costume designer Orry-Kelly makes some adjustments on Marilyn Monroe's wardrobe on the set of “Some Like It Hot,” 1959.

Seraphic Secret likes to check out the latest fashions, scouting for beautiful but modest clothing. We don’t believe that women have to reveal acres of flesh in order to appear and feel attractive. In fact, the opposite. The more chaste the surface, the more mystery and depth.

This season, it’s kind of obvious that designers have been marinating in Hollywood movies. Everywhere we see ladylike silhouettes that bring to mind the irreverant slink of Jean Harlow, the confident stride of Carole Lombard, and the animal heat of Marlene Dietrich. Also making spectral appearances are Hitchcock’s tailored blondes: Tippi Hedrin, Kim Novak and Eva Marie Saint.

We’re delighted to report that scores of design houses are featuring elbow length leather gloves, a sure sign that those who make fashion are determined to revive the classic look of the proper and elegant lady who sweeps into a room—think Loretta Young—then tugs off her gloves a finger at a time before sitting down to tea.

Here are a few looks that made us sit up smile.