You're Invited! Online Pre-Code STYLE OF SIN Series Continues 9/20 with Jean Harlow

September is here and the next month or so is going to be filled with events! It all starts September 20 with the next in my online Pre-Code series THE STYLE OF SIN. The third event in the 6-part series focuses on the early life and style of Jean Harlow with stories behind the style of films like Three Wise Girls (1932), Red-Headed Woman (1932), and Dinner at Eight (1933). Join me for a little more illicit fun!

THE STYLE OF SIN: Jean Harlow
Pre-Code Film with Kimberly Truhler

Sunday, September 20

Starting at 4 pm PT/7 pm ET

Tickets are $10 - click to register on Zoom

The Pre-Code era of Hollywood refers to the years between 1930 when the Production Code was adopted and 1934 when it was in full effect. The Code prohibited seeing many sins on screen, so Pre-Code films are beloved for how risqué and provocative they could be with their look and content.

Join me for this 6-part series that introduces you to some of the most popular actresses of the Pre-Code era - Joan Crawford, Kay Francis, Jean Harlow, Barbara Stanwyck, Carole Lombard, and Joan Blondell.

Though costume design is important in film, it is particularly significant to the plot and production of the movies selected for this series. In each talk, you will also learn about the costume designers themselves - how they contributed to the style of the studios along with the evolution of the actresses' careers and personal style.

You can view past online events on demand on Vimeo. 

Upcoming events:

FILM NOIR STYLE

Book Launch Event with the National Arts Club

Tuesday, September 29 at 4 pm PT

Tickets are free - register for Zoom event on Eventbrite

FILM NOIR STYLE: Before the War 1940-1941

First of 4-part series in coordination with my book

Sunday, October 18 at 4 pm PT

Tickets $10 - register on Zoom

More information can be found on the GlamAmor Events page

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY Reviews - and Loves - FILM NOIR STYLE

It is now about a month away from the September 29 launch of my book Film Noir Style: The Killer 1940s! The first review is in and it's a big one. Publishers Weekly is the "bible of the book industry" and informs librarians, book sellers, consumer media, agents, and other industry stakeholders around the world what books are new and notable. A good review from them, particularly with non-fiction work, is really an achievement and I'm thrilled to announce they loved Film Noir Style. You can read their review on the Publishers Weekly site or below.

And as if that wasn't good enough, the reviewer actually sought me out and emailed to expand upon the official review, starting with "I wanted to share with you how truly impressed I was with the book! It is a fine example of how culturally relevant film has been - and continues to be - and why it is important to study all aspects of film, not just the stars and directors."

Of course Film Noir Style focuses on the contributions of the costume designers, but also celebrates the cinematographers, screenwriters, and other artists who were involved in the production of the 20 influential films featured in the book. Considering that it's the goal of any film historian to inspire people to watch these movies and understand their importance, I could not be more pleased or proud by the review.

The official launch date of Film Noir Style may be September 29, but you can pre-order the book on Amazon now!

Watch THE HITCHCOCK BLONDES on Vimeo!

Last weekend actress Susan Claassen and I had a wonderful time celebrating the work of director Alfred Hitchcock, costume designer Edith Head, and the women who played his most memorable heroines. We were delighted that such a passionate audience joined us for GlamAmor-ous Conversations: The Hitchcock Blondes! Susan once again stepped into the shoes of the iconic costume designer and I took everyone on a journey through an important part of film history that has had an ongoing impact on fashion.

In case you missed the live event, you can now watch it on demand on Vimeo. You can either go to Vimeo through the link or watch through the embedded player below.

With next month's event, we will be back in the 1930s with my Pre-Code series The Style of Sin. This time we'll be discussing the early life and style of the luminous Jean Harlow. You can now buy your tickets for the Sunday, September 20 event. Craft your favorite cocktail and I'll see you there!

I paid homage to two of the Hitchcock Blondes - Kim Novak and Doris Day -

with my gray suit, vintage 1950s black patent handbag, and matching patent pumps

You're Invited! August 16 Online Event Celebrates the Style of THE HITCHCOCK BLONDES

My monthly online events continue in August, and this time we'll be celebrating the 1950s and beyond with GlamAmor-ous Conversations: The Hitchcock Blondes! The great Edith Head returns - played by the incomparable Susan Claassen - in order to delve into the costume designer's three decade partnership with director Alfred Hitchcock.

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GlamAmor-ous Conversations: The Hitchcock Blondes

Sunday, August 16

Starting at 4 pm PT/7 pm ET

Tickets are $15 - click to register on Zoom

Love the look of the icy cool blondes who were adored by director Alfred Hitchcock? Learn the stories behind the style from film and fashion historian Kimberly Truhler and Hollywood's iconic costume designer Edith Head - with a little help from actress Susan Claassen.

Join Truhler as she sits down once again with "Edith" to discuss her years working with Hitchcock and the signature style of his heroines, including:

Grace Kelly
Doris Day
Kim Novak
Tippi Hedren

Actress Susan Claassen has traveled the globe with her award-winning one-woman show A Conversation with Edith Head. Tours of the production have taken her across the U.S. and internationally from Toronto to Tbilisi, including an acclaimed five-week run in London’s West End. Claassen plays the part of Edith Head so well she is often mistaken for the legendary costume designer even by those who knew her.

Edith Head (1897 - 1981) was the most prolific costume designer in Hollywood history. She was also the most awarded - receiving an unprecedented 8 Oscars® and 35 nominations in her career. In addition to contributing to some of the most memorable moments on the silver screen, Edith also influenced fashion with many of her designs.

**Half the proceeds to to Arizona's Invisible Theatre, which celebrates its 50th anniversary next year!

You can view past online events on demand on Vimeo. 

Upcoming events can be found on the GlamAmor Events page. 

Watch THE STYLE OF SIN: KAY FRANCIS on Vimeo!

Last weekend, a couple hundred fans of both film and fashion came together online to celebrate the life and style of 1930s icon Kay Francis! I couldn't have asked for more excitement for the second event in my 6-part Pre-Code series The Style of Sin.

The Pre-Code era of Hollywood refers to the years between 1930 when the Production Code was adopted and 1934 when it was in full effect. The Code prohibited seeing many sins on screen, so Pre-Code films are beloved for how risqué and provocative they could be with their look and content.
If you missed the live event, you can now watch it on demand on Vimeo! You can either click the link or click "Watch Now" in the player below. You'll learn about the origins of the Production Code in addition to Kay's career and evidence of her lasting legacy in fashion.
Jean Harlow will be the next featured actress in the Style of Sin series. That event is set for Sunday, September 20 at 4 pm PT. Tickets are $10 - click to register on Zoom.
But before that, August's event will see the return of Edith Head - aka actress Susan Claassen - and a presentation and discussion on The Hitchcock Blondes. Tickets $15 - click to register on Zoom.

In Kay's honor and to show her ongoing influence on fashion,

I wore a plunging Laundry by Shelli Segal gown from the 2000s

You're Invited! Online Pre-Code Series STYLE OF SIN Continues July 19 with Kay Francis

Hope everyone had a fun sunny holiday weekend! July gets even hotter with the next in my online Pre-Code series THE STYLE OF SIN. The second event in the 6-part series focuses on the early life and style of Kay Francis with stories behind the style of films like Girls About Town (1931), Trouble in Paradise (1932), and Mandalay (1934). Join me Sunday, July 19 for a little more illicit fun!

THE STYLE OF SIN: KAY FRANCIS
Pre-Code Film with Kimberly Truhler

Sunday, July 19

Starting at 4 pm PT/7 pm ET

Tickets are $10 - click to register on Zoom

The Pre-Code era of Hollywood refers to the years between 1930 when the Production Code was adopted and 1934 when it was in full effect. The Code prohibited seeing many sins on screen, so Pre-Code films are beloved for how risqué and provocative they could be with their look and content.

Join me for this 6-part series that introduces you to some of the most popular actresses of the Pre-Code era - Joan Crawford, Kay Francis, Jean Harlow, Barbara Stanwyck, Carole Lombard, and Joan Blondell.

Though costume design is important in film, it is particularly significant to the plot and production of the movies selected for this series. In each talk, you will also learn about the costume designers themselves - how they contributed to the style of the studios along with the evolution of the actresses' careers and personal style.

You can view past online events on demand on Vimeo. 

Upcoming events can be found on the GlamAmor Events page. 

AN AFTERNOON WITH EDITH HEAD for the National Arts Club

On Tuesday, June 30, Susan Claassen and I joined forces once again to do An Afternoon with Edith Head for the National Arts Club! It was such an honor to work with the iconic cultural institution, which boasts more than 120 years of history and continues to do so much to promote the arts. The event could not have been more of a success - nearly 2,000 people attended live from all over the world. It's the biggest audience by far that the NAC has ever had - let me stress ever in their 120 year history - so we couldn't be more proud.

And the numbers continue to grow. As of this moment, the Facebook Live recording is quickly approaching 3,000 views and the NAC has just posted the event on their YouTube channel as well. I share that with you below.

Can't get enough? Suz and I will be together again as part of my own online series on Sunday, August 16 to discuss the stories behind the style of The Hitchcock Blondes. You can click here for more information and to register for this virtual event. 

And of course my Pre-Code Style of Sin event on Kay Francis is up first on July 19. See you soon!

This vintage 1950s floral fit-and-flare dress was my tribute to Grace Kelly in Rear Window -

I love the subtle variations of the blue and beautiful pleated skirt

The historic National Arts Club in New York City