Edith Head
Edith Head: A Legendary Costume Designer
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Edith Claire Posener was born as Edith Head, a name that would become synonymous with Hollywood's Golden Age. She is often referred to by her maiden name, Posener.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on October 28, 1897, in San Bernardino, California, Edith Head passed away on October 26, 1981, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 83.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Nationality: American
Profession: Costume Designer
Edith Head's work spanned over five decades, earning her numerous awards and accolades for her contributions to the world of cinema. She is widely regarded as one of the most influential costume designers in Hollywood history.
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in a family of modest means, Edith was encouraged by her mother to pursue a career in art. After completing her education at the San Diego High School, she moved to Los Angeles to study art under the guidance of Paul Iribe, a prominent fashion illustrator. Her early experience working for various fashion designers and studios laid the groundwork for her future success.
Major Accomplishments
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Edith Head's career was marked by numerous milestones:
Academy Awards: She won eight Academy Awards (Oscars) for Best Costume Design, a record that still stands today.
Golden Globe Awards: Edith received two Golden Globe awards for her work on the film "A Place in the Sun."
American Film Institute (AFI): In 1998, she was honored with the AFI's Lifetime Achievement Award.Notable Works or Actions
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Edith Head's impressive portfolio includes:
"All About Eve" (1950): She won her first Oscar for this classic drama.
"A Place in the Sun" (1951): Her work on this film earned her a second consecutive Oscar win.
"The Greatest Show on Earth" (1952): Edith's costumes for this epic circus drama resulted in her third Oscar victory.
Impact and Legacy
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Edith Head's contributions to the world of cinema are immeasurable. She not only revolutionized costume design but also:
Paved the way for women: As a trailblazer, she showed that women could excel in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Inspired future generations: Her legacy continues to influence costume designers and artists worldwide.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Edith Head's quotes and insights into her creative process are widely sought after:
"The most important thing a woman can have is a good understanding of herself."
"I never did anything I didn't want to do."
These words, among many others, offer a glimpse into the mind of this extraordinary individual. Edith Head's life serves as a testament to her unwavering dedication to her craft and her impact on the world of cinema.
Edith Head remains an icon in the fashion and film industries, inspiring new generations with her timeless style and unparalleled expertise.
Quotes by Edith Head
Edith Head's insights on:
If you hunger for certain types of clothes, for which you have little use, put yourself on a diet. Just as you resist too much whipped cream and French pastry to keep your figure in shape, you can say no to those yearned-for but unneeded purchases that lead to a wardrobe that is shapeless and without form.
I've dressed thousands of actors, actresses and animals, but whenever I am asked which star is my personal favorite, I answer, 'Grace Kelly.' She is a charming lady, a most gifted actress and, to me, a valued friend.
I always wear beige, black or white. For one thing I look good in them. For another, when I'm beside a star at a fitting, and she looks into the mirror, I don't want to be competing in any way.
What a costume designer does is a cross between magic and camouflage. We create the illusion of changing the actors into what they are not. We ask the public to believe that every time they see a performer on the screen, he's become a different person.
Couture has copied my things for years, in addition to countless other costume designers, claiming theirs were the original ideas. It’s all part of the business, unfortunately.
We don’t make glamorous movies today. Everything now is very realistic, artistic – and depressing. When is the last time you you saw a wonderful musical or a fabulous fantasy?
As women, we all have certain weaknesses. I know one who can’t resist pretty shoes but has nothing suitable to wear with them. Others adore frilly lingerie but never have any money to buy outer clothing.
Growing old gracefully used to begin at about 35, but today women prefer to ‘stay young gratefully’ with thanks to designers, beauticians and plastic surgeons.
Building a proper wardrobe is like building a home. Indeed, you should think of it like a home, because it is something you’re going to live in. It must be comfortable and suit all your needs.