Birth of a Gown feature (2 / 2) showing Dolly Tree design

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Birth of a Gown feature (2 / 2) showing Dolly Tree design

Birth of a Gown feature (1/2) showing Dolly Tree designing the wardrobe for Rita Johnson in The Girl Downstairs (1938) Date: 1938

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Media ID 23217548

© Mary Evans / Jazz Age Club Collection

Dolly Downstairs Evolution Glamour Gown Hollywood Johnson Metro Goldwyn Mayer Movie Rita Studios

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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph from 1938 showcases the legendary costume designer Dolly Tree in the midst of her creative process for the film "The Girl Downstairs," produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. In this image, Dolly is seen meticulously designing a stunning gown for the film's star, Rita Johnson. The jazz age ambiance of the 1930s is palpable in the room, with its Art Deco decor and the elegant silhouette of the designer at work. Dolly Tree, born in 1896, was a pioneering figure in Hollywood costume design, having begun her career in the silent film era. Her innovative designs graced the screens of numerous MGM productions, including "The Girl Downstairs," which marked a significant evolution in her career. The film, released in 1938, showcased her ability to blend classic Hollywood glamour with contemporary fashion trends, making her an influential figure in the industry. In this photograph, Dolly is seen engrossed in her work, her brow furrowed in concentration as she sketches out the intricate details of the gown. The delicate fabric, the graceful lines, and the elegant beading all come to life on the page, a testament to her extraordinary talent and creativity. The result was a breathtaking wardrobe for Rita Johnson that perfectly captured the essence of the character she portrayed in the film. This image offers a rare glimpse into the world of Hollywood costume design during the 1930s, a time when the art of creating stunning, iconic looks for the silver screen was at its zenith. Dolly Tree's designs continue to inspire and captivate audiences today, a testament to her enduring legacy in the world of fashion and film.

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