Tag Archives: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

Comedy, Musical, No Spoiler Reviews, Romance

GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES (1953): Costume Design – Marilyn Monroe And Jane Russell’s Stunning outfits

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This post was always going to happen. Particularly since my review of director Howard Hawks’s Gentlemen Prefer Blondes revealed William Travilla’s unforgettable costume design as a major highlight. And so, without any further a do, I hope you enjoy the below images at least half as much as I do.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox

Firstly, lilac magic.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox

Then some head-turning leopard print gorgeousness.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Elliott Reid, Twentieth Century Fox
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Elliott Reid, Twentieth Century Fox

The only word is ‘Wow!’

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox

Double ‘wow!’

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Jane Russell, Twentieth Century Fox
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Jane Russell, Twentieth Century Fox

This here is a shot from the film footage that had me compelled to watch the movie; after finding out who these two characters were and how they came to look so great together.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox

The super famous ‘diamonds are a girl’s best friend‘ number. Just ask Madonna, Lady Gaga and Margot Robbie.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Jane Russell, Twentieth Century Fox
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Jane Russell, Twentieth Century Fox

Hello, brown!

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox

Completely stunning red sequins from the opening dance number.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Jane Russell, Twentieth Century Fox

More red shine, just after the aforementioned opening dance sequence.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Jane Russell, Twentieth Century Fox
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Jane Russell, Twentieth Century Fox

Some yellow roses with gold detail for your memories.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Jane Russell, Twentieth Century Fox
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Jane Russell, Twentieth Century Fox

And, an important question: ‘Is this the coolest, that blue, red, yellow and black have ever looked together?’ Very likely!

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Jane Russell, Twentieth Century Fox
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Jane Russell, Twentieth Century Fox

Another very well deserved ‘wow!’

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Jane Russell, Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Jane Russell, Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox

Who said ‘blue and green must never be seen?’ Seriously, I’m not trying to start a fight, but WHO in their right mind…?

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Jane Russell, Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Jane Russell, Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox

Probably the most memorable double wedding look in film history!

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox

Last but in no way least, there’s of course, no celebration of the costume design in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, without featuring the famous gold lamé dress. A creation that was deemed so risqué for the time period, that in the movie, it’s only shown from the back. And what a beautiful view it is.

Did I miss out your favourite look? Unlikely. But it’s nice to ask.

Read my spoiler-free movie review of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953).

Happy Film Loving

G

Comedy, Musical, No Spoiler Reviews, Romance

GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES (1953): The Things I Liked…

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Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Elliott Reid, Twentieth Century Fox
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Elliott Reid, Twentieth Century Fox

Watching movies that were made long before the 90s and 80s isn’t something I do very often. Yet, recently I came across film footage of Hollywood icons Jane Russell and Marilyn Monroe. Two ladies who were looking incredibly stunning while walking together.

A few Google searches later, and there I was watching director Howard Hawks’s 1953 comedy/musical classic, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. A fun movie in which Monroe and Russell play two showgirls named Lorelei Lee and Dorothy Shaw. The ladies are two best friends who happen to be stunning. So stunning in fact that I would have fit right in among the admires Lorelei and Dorothy attracted everywhere they went in Hawks’s film. Fans including a private detective hired by the suspicious father of Lorelei’s fiancé, and a rich, enamoured old man, among many others.

I see Gentlemen Prefer Blondes as a movie that fits into the ‘perfectly pleasant, easy viewing’ category. There’s some mild to moderately amusing humour, the story moves along at a good pace, and visually, there’s much to enjoy; whether you’re taking in the production design or the very beautifully created costumes by Travilla.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Jane Russell, Twentieth Century Fox
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Jane Russell, Twentieth Century Fox

As someone who’s near enough always been aware of Monroe’s iconic status, it wasn’t until this movie that I finally understood. To put it in no uncertain terms, the lady is so incredibly magnetic, that I have to wonder whether a camera has ever loved a person more. Travilla’s costumes, Ben Nye’s makeup and the skills of those in charge of hair certainly helped, but of course, there’s a lot more to that special magnetism than the beautiful shell.

My favourite thing about Gentlemen Prefer Blondes? Two things. Firstly, the touching friendship between Lorelei and Dorothy. Secondly, all the stunning fashion! Watch it for the fashion. The story is pleasant enough – but THE FASHION!

One more thing. Here’s the link to the film footage that got me here – in case you’re curious. You see?

Happy Film Loving

G