Adrian (pictured above) was a costume designer for MGM during the 30's, 40's, and 50's. He designed gowns for stars such as Greta Garbo and Joan Crawford and most famously the Wizard of Oz. Below is a dress that channels the iconic and immediately recognizable style of Joan Crawford. The signature look that Adrian created for Ms. Crawford were the large shoulder pads that became very prominent in all of her looks.
The dress below is a heavyweight black satin with an emerald green and black satin waist tie. The crew neck opens between two padded shoulders that have been lined with with satin covered buttons. The padded shoulders drop off and melt into the high waist. Just below the waist are three pleats that radiate from either side of the central line down the middle of the dress. On either hip are extra flaps of fabric that can only be described as reverse pockets (very Joan Crawford). There is a fishtail slip in the front of the dress that comes up about a foot from the floor. This is a classic and extremely iconic look that will never go out of fashion.
Adrian black satin "Crawford" style dress with green and black tie, c.1940. Contemporary size 4- small 6. For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-0223. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 1/2 Melrose Avenue (2nd Floor) at Harper Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting.
