MovieChat Forums > Imitation of Life (1934) Discussion > Costume Designer Unknown

Costume Designer Unknown

posted 17 years ago by Ellcar537
5 replies | jump to latest

"Imitation Of Like" is one of my all-time favorite films, not least because Ms. Colbert and the other actresses wear such beautiful clothes. However, I cannot find any refernce to Costume Design among the lengthy credits. Does anyone know who designed those lovely suits, gowns and dresses? One of the reasons I love B*W films of the 1930's and 40's is seeing the way women dressed in that period. So this question about the Designer for IOL is most vexing.
Thanks for any information.
-C.Spurr

[–] pauline-k 16 years ago

I too would love to know who the costume designer was, and was disappointed that it did not feature in the credits. Colbert's gowns were stunning; the party dress in particular, looked just as elegant now as it did in 1934, and could be worn with pride even today.

[–] HarlowMGM 15 years ago

That is bizarre that something as important as costume design is not known yet the detailed credits include such things as hairstylist, stand-ins, and even children's welfare supervisor!

Possibly Claudette Colbert's wardrobe was designed by Paramount's Travis Banton, who did all almost her clothes on the Paramount lot in the 1930's. Often stars would request the services of their regular costumers or makeup assistants when they worked on loanout.

[–] joystar5879 10 years ago

I'm not sure, so don't take this as "gospel", but UNIVERSAL Studios usually didn't credit costumes. Also, Stars coming from another studio often brought their own "house" designer with them. Claudette Colbert came over from Paramount, and it wouldn't surprise me if she brought Travis Banton with her. Banton was the one who turned Ms. Colbert into the fashion Siren she became, and he might have done it as a personal favour to her.

Claudette's gowns also bear s striking resemblance to the sleek satins of CLEOPATRA.

Hope this helps a little.

"I do hope he won't upset Henry.."

[–] bradford-1 8 years ago

Studios generally didn't begin crediting costume designers, art directors or makeup artists until the late 30s.
May I bone your kipper, Mademoiselle?

[–] joystar5879 7 years ago

I've since found out that it WAS Universal's VERA WEST. She did a lot of wonderful things in the 1930s, I know that Vera did lovely work for both Irene Dunne and Margaret Sullavan, when they were at UNIVERSAL.

I do hope he won't upset Henry...