Edith Head: The Fifty-Year Career of Hollywood's Greatest Costume Designer

Edith Head, Hollywood's most legendary costume designer, received 35 Oscar nods and 400 film credits over a fifty-year career. This book features an insightful biography, previously unseen sketches, ephemera, and photos behind the scenes of hundreds of iconic films, revealing the woman behind the famous dark glasses and providing a comprehensive history of Hollywood in the twentieth century.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 28 September 2023
Publisher: Running Press,U.S.

The legendary costume designer of Hollywood, Edith Head (1897-1981), is explored in depth in this comprehensive history, which includes an insightful biography and previously unseen sketches, ephemera, and photos from behind the scenes of hundreds of iconic films.

Edith Head's incredible career spanned fifty years, during which she achieved an astonishing 35 Oscar nominations and 400 film credits. Her timeless designs, which continue to influence and inspire contemporary designers, fashion enthusiasts, and film lovers, revolutionized the fashion world.

This unique exploration of her life and work unveils the woman behind the famous dark glasses and presents a magnificent collection of rare and never-before-seen sketches, costume test shots, behind-the-scenes photos, and ephemera. With over 350 stunning illustrations, this book is both the most comprehensive work on Edith Head ever published and a lavish history of Hollywood in the twentieth century.

Edith Head's contributions to the film industry were immense, and her influence can be seen in countless classic films. From All About Eve to Funny Face, Sunset Blvd. to Rear Window, Sabrina to A Place in the Sun, and The Ten Commandments, her costumes added an element of elegance and sophistication to each production. Her attention to detail and ability to create costumes that reflected the characters and themes of the films made her a true master of her craft.

In addition to her work on films, Edith Head was also a renowned fashion designer, and her designs for women were widely celebrated. She was the first woman to win the Academy Award for Best Costume Design, and her work on the film The Sting earned her a second Oscar nomination. Her designs were often featured in magazines and on the runway, and her influence on fashion continues to be felt today.

Edith Head's life was as fascinating as her career. Born in California, she began her career as a fashion designer in the 1920s, working for various Hollywood studios. She quickly gained recognition for her talent and was soon hired as a head designer for Paramount Pictures. Her work on films such as All About Eve, Funny Face, and Sunset Blvd. established her as a leading figure in the industry.

Throughout her career, Edith Head faced numerous challenges and obstacles. She was a woman in a male-dominated field, and her gender often worked against her. However, she refused to let her gender define her and instead focused on her work and her passion for fashion. She was known for her hard work, her creativity, and her ability to work under pressure.

Edith Head's legacy continues to be felt today. Her designs have been celebrated and studied by fashion enthusiasts and designers, and her influence can be seen in the costumes of many contemporary films. She was inducted into the Costume Designers Guild Hall of Fame in 1974 and received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 1981.

In conclusion, Edith Head was a true icon of Hollywood and a legendary costume designer. Her contributions to the film industry were immense, and her timeless designs continue to inspire and influence present-day designers and fashion enthusiasts. This comprehensive history of her life and work reveals the woman behind the famous dark glasses and presents a spectacular collection of rare and never-before-seen sketches, costume test shots, behind-the-scenes photos, and ephemera. Whether you are a fan of film or fashion, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history and legacy of Edith Head.

Weight: 1566g
Dimension: 207 x 256 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780762484621