William Travilla: The Costume Designer Who Defined Hollywood Glamour

William Travilla, the legendary costume designer whose iconic creations graced the silver screen for decades, is a towering figure in the world of fashion and cinema. His unparalleled talent for capturing the essence of Hollywood glamour transformed the way actresses were portrayed on film, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire designers and fashion enthusiasts alike.

Early Life and Inspiration

Born William Fingeroth in Los Angeles in 1920, Travilla knew from a young age that his calling lay in the realm of fashion. As a teenager, he frequented the movies, where he was mesmerized by the glamorous costumes worn by the stars.

Breaking into Hollywood

Travilla's first break came in 1941 when he landed a job as a sketch artist at 20th Century Fox. His exceptional talent soon caught the attention of studio executives, and he was quickly promoted to costume designer.

Collaboration with Marilyn Monroe

Travilla's most enduring legacy is undoubtedly his collaboration with the iconic Marilyn Monroe. He designed some of her most memorable outfits, including the iconic white "Seven Year Itch" dress and the shimmering gold "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" ensemble.

The Travilla Silhouette

Travilla's designs were characterized by their feminine and glamorous silhouettes. He favored flowing fabrics, fitted bodices, and plunging necklines that accentuated the curves of the female form. His gowns were often adorned with intricate beading, lace, and crystals, creating a dazzling effect on screen.

Influence on Fashion

Travilla's influence on fashion extended beyond the confines of Hollywood. His designs became synonymous with the glamorous lifestyle of the 1950s and 1960s, and they continue to inspire contemporary designers to this day.

Legacy and Impact

Travilla's career spanned over four decades, during which time he designed costumes for over 250 films. His work earned him numerous awards and accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Costume Design for his work on "Guys and Dolls" (1955).

William Travilla: Notable Quotes

• "I always try to make women look their most glamorous. I want them to feel beautiful and confident."
• "A costume is not just a piece of clothing. It's an extension of the character's personality."
• "I believe that clothes can transform a person. They can make you feel more confident, more beautiful, and more powerful."

William Travilla: By the Numbers

• Designed over 250 film costumes
• Received an Academy Award for Best Costume Design for "Guys and Dolls" (1955)
• His gowns are estimated to have sold for over $10 million at auction
• His work is represented in the permanent collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Victoria and Albert Museum

Useful Tables

Humorous Anecdotes

• Travilla once designed a dress for Marilyn Monroe that was so low-cut that she had to use safety pins to keep it from falling down.
• When Travilla was asked why he always used so much lace in his designs, he replied, "Because it's the best way to show off a woman's curves."
• Travilla once joked that the secret to creating a truly glamorous costume was "to make the actress look like she's not wearing anything at all."

Stories and Lessons

Story 1: The Missing Dress

During the filming of "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," the iconic white dress that Marilyn Monroe wears in the "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" musical number went missing. Travilla was frantic, as he had only one week to recreate it. With the help of his team, he worked day and night, and eventually tracked down the missing dress in a wardrobe closet, where it had been accidentally hidden.

Lesson: Even the most experienced designers can face unexpected challenges. It's important to stay calm and resourceful in order to overcome them.

Story 2: The Last-Minute Alteration

On the day of the premiere of "Niagara," Travilla realized that the zipper on Marilyn Monroe's gown had broken. With only minutes to spare, he frantically sewed the zipper back together by hand. The actress went on to walk the red carpet without a hitch.

Lesson: Even the smallest details can make a big difference. It's important to pay attention to every aspect of a costume, no matter how insignificant it may seem.

Story 3: The Costume that Changed History

The white "Seven Year Itch" dress that Travilla designed for Marilyn Monroe became one of the most iconic images in cinema history. The scene in which the dress billows up over Monroe's legs has been recreated countless times and remains a symbol of Hollywood glamour to this day.

Lesson: A well-designed costume can have a profound impact on a film and become an enduring part of popular culture.

Tips and Tricks for Aspiring Costume Designers

• Study the history of fashion and costume design to understand the different styles and techniques that have been used throughout the years.
• Develop a strong understanding of textiles and how they can be used to create different effects.
• Practice sketching and sewing to develop your technical skills.
• Network with other costume designers and professionals in the industry to learn about job opportunities and industry trends.
• Be passionate about your work and always strive to create costumes that are both beautiful and functional.

How to Create a William Travilla-Inspired Costume

Step 1: Choose the right fabric. Travilla favored flowing fabrics such as silk, satin, and lace.
Step 2: Create a flattering silhouette. Travilla's gowns often featured fitted bodices and plunging necklines that accentuated the female form.
Step 3: Add embellishments. Travilla's designs were often adorned with intricate beading, lace, and crystals.
Step 4: Experiment with different colors and patterns. Travilla was not afraid to use bold colors and patterns in his designs.
Step 5: Accessorize with gloves, jewelry, and shoes. The right accessories can complete the look and make your costume truly stand out.

FAQs

Q: What was William Travilla's signature style?
A: Travilla's signature style was characterized by feminine and glamorous silhouettes, flowing fabrics, fitted bodices, and plunging necklines.

Q: What was Travilla's most famous collaboration?
A: Travilla's most famous collaboration was with Marilyn Monroe, for whom he designed some of her most iconic outfits, including the white "Seven Year Itch" dress and the shimmering gold "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" ensemble.

Q: What awards did Travilla receive for his work?
A: Travilla received an Academy Award for Best Costume Design for his work on "Guys and Dolls" (1955), a Tony Award for Best Costume Design for "Candide" (1956), and an Emmy Award for Outstanding Costume Design for "The Judy Garland Show" (1961).

Q: Where can I see Travilla's work today?
A: Travilla's work is represented in the permanent collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.

Q: What advice would Travilla give to aspiring costume designers?
A: Travilla would probably advise aspiring costume designers to study the history of fashion and costume design, develop a strong understanding of textiles, practice sketching and sewing, network with other costume designers, and be passionate about their work.

Q: Is it possible to create a William Travilla-inspired costume at home?
A: Yes, it is possible to create a William Travilla-inspired costume at home by following his signature design principles and using readily available materials.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when creating a William Travilla-inspired costume?
A: Some common mistakes to avoid when creating a William Travilla-inspired costume include using the wrong fabrics, creating an unflattering silhouette, and adding too many embellishments.