Last Fall I decided to start a new video series for GlamAmor called The Style Essentials: Conversations. For those who are new to GlamAmor, The Style Essentials is my list of movies with the most iconic costume design that impacted fashion when they first premiered and continue to do so today. The idea was to create a series where I would speak with other experts about the history of the films that feature such influential costume design. My relationships with people in the classic film
community are so important to me, so what could be better than capturing some of our conversations on camera.
I knew my first guest would have to be my friend Monika Henreid. Monika is the daughter of Paul Henreid - star of Now, Voyager and Casablanca, both among The Style Essentials - and is a talented filmmaker in her own right. When we get together, we love to talk about film history. Our conversation in the video includes quite a bit about the making of
those two movies and their backstories, including those of the
actors and directors.
Of course you'll also learn more about the costume designer of Now, Voyager and Casablanca - Orry-Kelly. The video starts with an introduction to his life and career, and then Monika and I discuss his talent, some of what makes his designs unique, and things he needed to consider when designing for Bette Davis and Ingrid Bergman. We also talk a bit about the process of costume design, particularly what went into costumes for Paul Henreid. It's somewhat rare that men's costume design is discussed, so I hope you like that aspect of the conversation.
Our talk is actually quite timely. For one, 2017 is the 75th anniversary of both Now, Voyager and Casablanca. January also happens to be Paul Henreid's birthday month. The stars could not be more aligned to have this conversation and share it with you all. I hope you enjoy it.
Monika Henreid and I after our conversation (of course I'm wearing vintage with an Orry-Kelly collar)
and at the Roosevelt Hotel at last year's TCM Classic Film Festival
Orry-Kelly (above and below left) was contemporaries with other legendary costume designers
(l-r) Bernard Newman (RKO), Travis Banton (Paramount), Edith Head (Paramount), Adrian (MGM), and Irene (MGM)
Striking the set after shooting wraps
and sunset over Santa Monica beach that night
2 comments:
Fabulous interview! I learned so much.
Kimberly, you have a great way of asking questions. You give them perspective which makes the interviewee's answers more meaningful. Enjoyed every minute of this!
Thank you for your very kind words, Ruth! Wow. That means so much to me. You just made my week! Thank you for sharing it, too. :)
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