Adrian "A Woman of Means" Fashion ~ Hollywood Ahoy Convention

I did not know anything about Adrian previously. When I saw photographs of "A Woman of Means" I knew I had to have the fashion. Now that I have it, I'm thrilled that I can dress a doll in such a stylish and beautifully made outfit. Here is a brief bio and photo of Adrian which I have snatched from the internet:

Adrian, Gilbert, 1903–59, popularly known simply as Adrian, fashion designer, b. Naugatuk, Conn.

Educated in New York City, he created designs for Broadway shows until 1925, when he moved to Hollywood. As studio designer at MGM studios (1928–41), he created glamorous clothing for such stars as Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford, Jean Harlow, and Katharine Hepburn, his opulent designs influencing haute couture throughout the 1930s and 40s. Adrian was known for his extravagant, draped evening gowns; hooded dresses; embroidered, padded evening jackets; and elegant suits. He was creative director for MGM's Wizard of Oz (1939), one of his most acclaimed productions; the same year he married actress Janet Gaynor. From 1942 to 1952 he ran a fashionable Beverly Hills salon.

The suit: there was been a great deal of discussion on one doll board regarding where this suit was manufactured. No definitive answer came about as a result of those queries. I didn't see it as relevant in any event.

None of these are meant to be seen as artistic images. They are for showing the style and details of the garments and accessories.

The outfit came with lots of pieces: jacket, skirt, sleeveless shell, handbag, shoes, gloves, earrings, bracelet, hat and faux fur. It was packaged almost identically to the way Ashton Drake packaged the Gene line fashions. There was a lovely ribbon tied around the box with a tag.

I had heard that although the fashion was created for Robert Tonner's Joan Crawford doll that it would fit other 16 in dolls as well. Heavenly Gene needed a change of clothes so she got lucky. Did it fit? The waist and hips of the skirt are visibly large. The bottom of the shell hangs loosely but overall the suit looks very good. It is easy to put on - no struggling with hooks or ill fitting shoes.

The inside of the jacket looks almost as good as the outside. The lining is a royal purple - I love that. The label is a replica of Adrian's original label! The stole is wired for shaping when placing it on the doll. That's a great detail. My stole needs to be aired out as it has a weird odor as if it's been stored too long in a basement in China. Not that I'd know what a Chinese basement would smell like...

The gorgeous metal and rhinestone embellishments truly make the suit. The one at the waist is not laying properly. If it really bothered me, I would make a temporary tack with three stitches to get it to lay flat. It's making a slight right turn as it is now.

The bling, in addition to that which is sewn on to the suit, consists of a multi-strand rhinestone bracelet and dangling rhinestone earrings.

The large zippered handbag and open toed pumps are black patent leather. There is something a little off about the tops of the shoes at the opening. They are too long - unless this is a style of which I am not aware.

The hat...I really didn't know what to do with it. I put it on and turned it this way and that and still couldn't find a pleasing way for her to wear it.

This outfit cost $129. and was available as an optional purchase at the Hollywood Ahoy Convention which just took place in Long Beach, California in August. There are a few still available. Buy one! You will not be disappointed.

Here is the link to purchase Hollywood Ahoy souvenirs that may still be available:

http://sandrastillwell.com/2009/
Tell Sandra I sent you!