I’ve talked about my love of Gene Tierney before, and since I haven’t highlighted any 1940s fashion films, I thought this would be a good time to gush more over Gene and one of my favorite films: Laura. Bonnie Cashin designed the costumes for this 1944 film, and her sense of easy-going style is reflected in Gene’s outfits. Rather than overly glamorize the star (who was quite stunning and didn’t really need glitzy costumes!) as many films of the era had a tendency towards, the designer stayed within the limits of what could have plausibly been worn by any well-heeled, fashionable young woman of the era. Looking at these outfits, you can see the sportswear influence that Cashin became increasingly known for, while still keeping within the silhouette acceptable at the time. This is one of those films that I’ve idolized for years and continue to scheme from time to time about recreating various dresses or outfits! I hope you’ll enjoy looking through these… (As always, click images for a larger view!)
[ Check out the impeccable bias trim on this suit--it's subtle, but adds a higher end feel to the garment because it's such a fiddly detail to execute perfectly! ]
[ The skirt and knit top that is worn with the suit jacket above. I love the fitted jersey with buttons up the back--and the bias trim is echoed here on the shoulders and neckline. Wouldn't this be a neat variation on the plain ol' tee? ]
[ An array of beautiful knits that Gene wears at the beginning montage. The first outfit is a matched cardigan and skirt set, while the second is a chunkier cardigan and pony skin (!) skirt. Talk about wild fashion on the latter one... I love the chunky bracelet and belt though. ]
[ A glamorous, Grecian inspired evening gown. It's deceptively simple, in that it lacks a lot of surface decoration, but the genius is in the intricate draping. Note the large sparkly brooch on the left shoulder; that's a great way to add some sparkle to an otherwise simple neckline! ]
[ I love this floppy hat that Gene sports! Somewhat unusual to the period (structured hats tended to be more popular), but it frames Gene's face well and would be an easy style to reproduce today. ]
[ I love this striped jacket to bits--look at all the different directions the stripes are cut to create a rather dynamic jacket. Gene's pageboy inspired hairstyle is very nice too! ]
[ Another floppy brimmed hat, this time with a classic trench coat. Note the stitching on the brim of the hat. ]
[ A sporty pants ensemble: this is probably the outfit that is tempting me most right now to try and make! Again, the patterned fabric is cut in various directions to show off bias piecing on the blouse. I love the waist tie detail too! ]
[ Another striped jacket that goes with lounging pants. The hairstyle is so lovely! ]
[ An unstructured skirt and blouse set; another unusual look for the period (although other designers certainly were playing with the idea of less structure, it just wasn't as mainstream). The long scarf-wrap drapes around the neckline to make it suitable for streetwear. ]
[ One of my favorite dresses; a back buttoned street length garment with pleats at the shoulder, extended shoulders forming sleeves, and a shaped belt. The belt has some sort of embellishment too; simple but fitting with the elegance of the piece. Note the bracelet Gene is wearing--it's a floral cuff design that is very similar to a lot of bracelets I've seen in shops recently. ]
[ A gorgeous, draped front dressing gown worn in the final scene. I love the floral applique on the left front--very pretty! ]
I *love* when you do these fashion in film posts. And I can’t believe I’ve never seen Laura. I will remedy that very soon!
I am in love with all those sweaters (my anticipation of fall showing?) and that striped jacket is amazing! I think that evening gown is the look I’ve most seen associated with this movie, but I am really loving all the more casual outfits you’ve shown here.
Wow! So many great styles. I have never seen this one, but think I will check it out just for the clothes! I want that dressing gown and the first striped jacket is just so cute!
Also, what is going on with the skirt paired with the peasant blouse? Is that a sash or the yoke?
Those are wonderful images. I saw a Bonnie Cashin show at FIT here a number years ago; I believe she was one of the original Coach designers in the 60s. Great sportswear.
You could definitely pull off ANY of those outfits!
I love this film! And I’m dying over that cowl-neck gown. Amazing!
This post is brimming with inspiration, which is just what I need at the moment! Thank you – I like the knits, but especially the back-buttoned tops (and the Grecian gown is perfection itself).
This movie is a gem, and I’ve seen it multiple times, though never really noticed the outfits. The sweaters are making wish for cooler days.
Wow, what great inspiration, I love the hat!!
From Carys of La Ville Inconnue
What a smorgasboard of style! I’m so glad you brought all the wonderful fashion to my attention. I love her work outfits at the beginning of the film! Next time I watch the movie I’ll have to pay more attention.
She is so beautiful!!
*swoon* – Love Gene Tierney! Great post.
This cements my love of Gene Tierney. So beautiful. I love the clothes you’ve pictured–I tend to like the every day clothes in old films better than the dressy ones!
I had no idea Bonnie Cashin designed the costumes for Laura! I always learn things on your blog
I think Laura was the first film noir I ever saw when I was a kid and I was absolutely in love with it.
I just started following your blog a few weeks ago and this post seals the deal-I love you! This movie is one of my all-time favorites. My sister (Laura) was named after this movie-No joke! and so it has been a staple in our household ever since I can remember.
In all the times I’ve watched it I’ve never seen in through these eyes-I’ve always been fascinated with the story itself (because it really is a great tale). Thank you for the beautiful perspective.
Her hair is amazing!
Wow! I’m going to get this film for my 40′s loving friend! The clothes are just fabulous aren’t they? Thanks for bringing it to out attention. PS Love the dress and bolero. you really pull off the era beautifully.
How lovely to see this – I admire your taste. Laura is one of those films it would be fantastic to have one’s memory wiped for: to see it again for the first time would be wonderful. Gene Tierney’s clothes in Whirlpool are also exquisite, and that’s another fine film!
oh i love this film! gene is one of my favourites, she’s gorgeous. and i’ve been lusting after those floppy brimmed hats since i first saw it, they are so lovely on her.
I’ve been wanting to see this film! Lisa Freemont Street had a Laura hair tutorial recently and after this post I’m going to have to go hunt for this film.
Oh, I just absolutely LOVE this film (and, therefore, this post) – it’s one of my all-time favourites. I bought it on a whim (it was ony 1$!) and fell completely in love. I’ve seen it so many times but it’s always nice to see different aspects broken down like this so you can really take the time to appreciate it. So…thanks! =D
-Andi x
That movie is so odd to me in a way. . .just that fact that people would obsess so much over a woman that it would cause issues of insanity to happen. I love the fashion in it so much.
I love to watch Turner Classic movies all the time just to see the fashions from the 30′s, 40′s & 50′s. I even love the sixties Mod look (my era). Fashions today just seem weird to me. Loved this post. I wish elegance would return. Sadly, I don’t think that’s ever going to happen.
You know I’ve seen that since I love so many of the old movies.
Wasn’t she so pretty?
And of course the clothes are just beautiful.
This makes me crave sweaters and long hair, maybe I can just turn up the AC and put on a wig
Love how you point out the details I would overlook!
xoxo Solanah
If you love this one, you should now go and rent “Leave Her to Heaven” where she plays a stylish newlywed and murderer(!) What was most amazing was how her character was pregnant for part of the movie and I swear they didn’t even try to pad her at all. Probably because the clothes wouldn’t have looked as sleek.