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The Talk of Hollywood

The Talk of Hollywood

Datec 1938
Object numberANMS0460[058]
NameMagazine page
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 290 × 210 mm, 4 g
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Dale O'Sullivan
DescriptionA magazine page titled 'The Talk of Hollywood' featuring photographs of actors Joan Bennett, Jean Harlow and Virginia Gray and texts of "Choice morsels of gossip and news about the latest and liveliest goings-on in that dear old Hollywood".HistoryOut of the slimline and Parisian high fashion look of the 1920s emerged the fantasy and glamour of the 1930s. Hollywood became a leading influencer of what women should wear and significantly women as consumers. Through movies and fan magazines the 'average' woman was able to explore and experience the glamour of actors and the film studios that promoted them. This decade saw the embracing of a new 'feminine ideal' that designers across the globe closely followed. Sportswear and swimwear became significant fashion fields and young Hollywood actors were used to promote themselves and swimwear styles in magazine 'editorials' and newspaper articles. Sunbaking became an acceptable leisure time activity and beach wear, including cover ups, pyjamas and sarongs, were all popular. In addition to fashion houses, Hollywood costume designers were influential in what women wore and the concept of fashion for the masses grew. Audiences could buy a mail order Catalina swimsuit designed by Hollywood designer Orry-Kelly and smaller fashion labels quickly adapted the latest Hollywood styles for their local market. SignificanceSwim wear was synonymous with Hollywood glamour in the 1930s and Hollywood celebrities were often featured in swim suits for publicity shoots. Actor's physical proportions were held up as the gender ideal globally with actor Jean Harlow being renown for her physique.