Costumes in films offer subtle insights into a character’s personality, circumstances, and development, adding depth to the storytelling. The work of costume designers is crucial but often goes unnoticed. These designers sometimes develop close relationships with leading actresses, especially when they frequently collaborate on multiple projects.
During Hollywood’s Golden Age, both costume designers and actresses worked under contract for specific studios, leading to repeated collaborations and strong working relationships. Although the industry operates differently today, some designers and actresses have still managed to form notable partnerships and even friendships.
This article highlights twelve significant collaborations between costume designers and actresses from both classic and modern cinema, showcasing the importance and impact of their joint efforts in enhancing film narratives.
1. Travis Banton & Carole Lombard
Films: I Take This Woman, Rhumba, Love Before Breakfast, Nothing Sacred, True Confession, Made for Each Other, My Man Godfrey
Travis Banton praised Carole Lombard for her effortless style, noting that she could make any material look chic.
2. Adrian & Joan Crawford
Films: Our Modern Maidens, Possessed, Letty Lynton, Sadie McKee, The Last of Mrs. Cheyney, The Women
Joan Crawford admired Adrian’s work deeply, calling him the greatest costume designer. Adrian emphasized Joan’s energetic and dynamic nature, creating costumes that reflected her constant motion and youthful spirit.
3. Edith Head & Grace Kelly
Films: The Bridges at Toko-Ri, The Country Girl, Rear Window, To Catch a Thief
Edith Head considered Grace Kelly her favorite star to dress, appreciating her charm, talent, and their close friendship.
4. Jacqueline Durran & Keira Knightley
Films: Pride and Prejudice, Atonement, Anna Karenina
Jacqueline Durran spoke highly of Keira Knightley’s acting skills and sense of style, which made her a joy to work with on period films.
5. Givenchy & Audrey Hepburn
Films: Sabrina, Funny Face, Love in the Afternoon, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Charade, Paris When it Sizzles, How To Steal a Million
Audrey Hepburn felt that Givenchy’s creations allowed her to be herself. Givenchy praised her for her elegance, kindness, and self-awareness.
6. Jean Louis & Rita Hayworth
Films: Tonight and Every Night, Gilda, Down to Earth, The Loves of Carmen, Affair in Trinidad, Salome, Pal Joey
Jean Louis enjoyed working with Rita Hayworth, admiring her beauty and unique qualities.
7. Theadora Van Runkle & Faye Dunaway
Films: Bonnie & Clyde, The Thomas Crown Affair, The Arrangement, Dunaway’s 1968 Oscar Gown
Faye Dunaway credited Theadora Van Runkle for influencing her sense of style and making their costume design collaborations enjoyable.
8. Orry-Kelly & Bette Davis
Films: Marked Woman, The Petrified Forest, Jezebel, Dark Victory, The Private Lives of Elizabeth & Essex, The Old Maid, The Letter, The Little Foxes, Now Voyager
Orry-Kelly described working with Bette Davis as challenging but worthwhile, noting her honesty and ability to transform a design into something extraordinary.
9. Ann Roth & Meryl Streep
Films: Silkwood, Heartburn, Postcards from the Edge, The Hours, Evening, Julie & Julia, Mamma Mia!, Doubt, Hope Springs, The Post
Meryl Streep valued the creative process with Ann Roth, finding it a joyful and surprising experience each time.
10. William Travilla & Marilyn Monroe
Films: Monkey Business, Don’t Bother to Knock, Gentleman Prefer Blondes, How to Marry a Millionaire, There’s No Business Like Show Business, River of No Return, Seven Year Itch, Bus Stop
William Travilla found designing for Marilyn Monroe to be a delightful experience due to her beauty and need for his designs, often creating impromptu outfits for her.
11. Walter Plunkett & Katharine Hepburn
Films: Christopher Strong, Morning Glory, Spitfire, Little Women, The Little Minister, Mary of Scotland, A Woman Rebels, Alice Adams, Quality Street, Adam’s Rib, The Sea of Grass, Song of Love
Katharine Hepburn appreciated Walter Plunkett’s ability to create distinctive looks for her, which enhanced her performances.
12. Helen Rose & Elizabeth Taylor
Films: A Date with Judy, The Big Hangover, Father of the Bride, Love is Better Than Ever, Father’s Little Dividend, The Girl Who Had Everything, Rhapsody, The Last Time I Saw Paris, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Butterfield 8, Taylor’s first Wedding Gown
Helen Rose believed in simple settings for Elizabeth Taylor’s magnificence, ensuring her beauty wasn’t overshadowed by overly detailed costumes.
Do you enjoy film costumes? What are some of your favorite costume films?
