Easter Parade

There are very few musical movies that I can watch without wanting to jam knitting needles in my ears.  A little dramatic I know, but show tunes just make me irrationally cranky.

There are of course exceptions to every rule.  Singing in The Rain, The Wizard of Oz and Easter Parade remain some of my favourite movies.

I don't watch Easter Parade every Easter, but if it's on and I happen to be watching TV, then I can't go past it. This year was one of those times.  

As with all movies of this vintage, the fashion captures my heart the most.

Although the fashion in Easter Parade is not as extravagant or daring as other films of the same era, it does happen to have two gowns that I just adore.

The first is an emerald green velvet and silk gown worn by Judy Garland's character Hannah Brown
(shown above).   The colour, fabric and neckline are adorable and look just perfect on Judy Garland's petite frame.

The second gown was designed for Ann Miller's character [Nadine Hale] during the 'It Only Happens When I Dance With You' number.  There's something about the way this feather laden gown moves that makes me want to dance.  And I don't dance.  Ever.

Naturally all credit for these amazing costumes goes to famous designer Irene Lentz, shown here holding the costume sketches for Easter Parade.

.

Irene Lentz had her own label named simply 'irene' which sold though salons in exclusive department stores.  She was also costume designer for MGM, where she designed gowns for such legends as Rita Hayworth, Marlene Dietrich, Ginger Rogers, Lucille Ball, Ingrid Bergman and her close friend Doris Day to name but a few.  Who can forget Lana Turner's controversial hot pants in The Postman Always Rings Twice!

Inene Lentz continues to inspire fashion designers and stylists alike.  Did you know that costume designer Greg LaVoi often dresses the character Brenda Johnson [from the show The Closer] in vintage Irene designs?   Or that the wardrobe designed by Colleen Atwood for Angelina Jolie's character in The Tourist was inspired by the designs of Irene?

 Greg LaVoi keeps a comprehensive fashion file for each outfit Kyra Sedgwick wears here.

Here's a selection of Irene's designs:

Want to own your own Irene?  You may be lucky and pick up an item or two in good vintage stores or on eBay, or you can be guaranteed authenticity by searching on sites such as www.1stdibs.com. 

Want to know more about Irene Lentz?  Visit the website set up by her great niece  www.irene-lentz.com