How the hell does a historical costume-focused blog review the film Marie Antoinette (1938)? Adrian designed between 2,500-4,000 costumes for 150 cast members and about 1,250 extras; lead actress Norma Shearer alone had 34 gowns and 18 wigs. I’ve had this film on my to-do list for months now, and I keep putting it off because it’s So Huge. I rewatched the film last night, and decided to settle on the historical influences in Adrian’s over the top, classic Hollywood glamour-infused designs. Because they’re there! Hidden amongst layers of floof and millions of sequins.
First, we’ve touched on aspects of this film multiple times, so I’m not going to reinvent the wheel. I stand by my overall summary of the film, and add that the chivalric romance with Count Fersen is probably very overdone. I’m also not going to get into the hair, which I’ve analyzed for its fabulosity and its historical accuracy. Nor am I going to get into the men’s costumes (designed by Gile Steele), although you can see some of the best on the foppy and evil Duc d’Orléans; or hunt down more in-color images of the costumes on display or when they were reworn in DuBarry Was a Lady since we’ve already touched on both.
Instead, I’m going to give you a little background on Adrian’s design and making process, and then talk about the historical references in Norma Shearer as lead character Marie Antoinette’s gowns!
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I can never open these posts for a day or though, though I do pay a monthly fee…not sure why…every link I click tells me to sign up…
Hmm, is it a verification issue with Patreon? We have that as well sometimes — their system sends an email that we have to click before we can login to Patreon. Might check your spam folder for it. Also, here’s their help docs, maybe something in there? https://support.patreon.com/hc/en-us
Still can’t get in yet am logged in…will try logging out and in…
No…still asking me to join…though I am billed monthly…hmmmm will try tomorrow
Do contact Patreon’s customer service if you can’t see posts when they’re published. I checked & the posts are set to “all patrons” & there shouldn’t be any delay. Sorry this is happening!
Meant to say a “day or two”…