Under the Influence -- My Man Godfrey

I could say that this movie made our list of "Influencers" solely based on Carole Lombard's amazing 1930s fashions created by Travis Banton, but that would not be completely true.  The truth is that we watch this movie mainly because we are totally infatuated with William Powell -- and the clothes are an added benefit.  (Sorry Mr. Banton!)  Powell's mix of humor and wit added to his ability to be smooth and debonair is pretty much unmatched in Hollywood history to us.  Cary Grant might come in second, but Powell wins the award every time.  Definitive proof of this is 1932's "Jewel Robbery"-- our first real "AHA!" moment of just how sexy Mr. Powell could be.  Watch it now if you haven't seen it.  You won't be sorry.  We promise you.  But more on that fine film later. (Wink.)

Not to say that Powell's co-leads are not just as important in his films -- probably most famously, Myrna Loy from "The Thin Man" series.  She is necessary and absolutely delightful!  And Carole Lombard is just as necessary as the dizzy Irene Bullock in "Godfrey."  Powell excels (along with his co-stars) at creating the chemistry needed to build iconic roles and duos; that's why we still talk about his movies 80 years later.  It's missing from so many movies nowadays.  Today we go for easy jokes and cheap shots.  In the golden age of Hollywood, the writing and acting worked together to create magic -- the quick banter and back-and-forth, subtle visual gags and expressions, and the ability to make glamour and romance seem both attainable and far away.  Powell had a real affection for his co-stars; he and Lombard had been divorced for three years when "Godfrey" was made, but he insisted that she was perfect for the role.  Somehow I don't see that happening with actors today.

But, as much as we swoon over Mr. Powell, we really do love Banton's creations for Carole Lombard in the film.  Banton created statement pieces, and every outfit is met with an "oooohhhhh" whenever Irene bounds into the picture.  We first see her in a completely beaded gown and coat that communicates exactly how rich she is -- in direct comparison with Godfrey's "Forgotten Man."  And man, are those beads liquid!

You're hit with that beauty from the get-go!  It's like a ton of bricks has slammed into you, and then it just keeps going and going and going throughout the movie. 

You want fancy sleepwear -- you got it!

 

Need to lounge in style -- sure!

I'm looking for something sheer and swirly -- here you go!

What's a good dress to faint in?  Why, bias cut with floral appliques!

And finally, what can I wash dishes in?  Definitely this stunning floral frock!

Relevant for today?  Absolutely.  Here's a roundup of some new pieces that could have taken their inspiration straight from Irene's closet.

Alexander McQueen, Fall 2017

Marchesa, Spring 2018 RTW





Loup Charmant

Naeem Khan 2012/13

Yanina Couture, 2018





Erdem S/S 2018

If you haven't seen it -- then watch it.  Oh, and don't forget about "Jewel Robbery"! You won't regret it -- wink, wink!

Junk Love: How to Marry a Chair...Er...Millionaire

It might trigger an eye roll, or a heated debate whenever I say that How to Marry a Millionaire is one of the best romantic comedies ever made, but I stand firm. I. Love. That. Movie. (Also, just prepare yourself--if you ever say to me, "Oh, that Marilyn Monroe movie?", I will scowl at you. I love Marilyn, but this movie is all about Lauren Bacall.) This movie is also one of the many reasons why I will never get married. [You fall in love with a guy who adores you. You don't care about the things he can give you. But if you've ever seen this movie, a part of your brain will always be thinking: Any minute now, he's gonna pay for my cheeseburger with a huge roll of cash. Surprise! He was secretly a millionaire the whole time! I just can't put that kind of pressure on a guy....]

So, how does one marry a millionaire? Well, first you need friends of a similar mindset:

And of this group of goal-oriented females, one should be smart and sarcastic, one should be perky and funny, and one should be adorably clueless.

It also helps if you are models....

Your apartment must be spacious, modern, and of course, in New York City. The view must be spectacular!

You will need a groovy telephone for all of those late night conversations with your beau, which you will always end with "I never want to see you again!," just to keep him on his toes. Also, you simply must invest in fabulous lamp shades that will cast the perfect moody glow on your face, even though he can't see you.

You need a hangout spot--a club or burger joint where you can remind the world how down-to-earth you secretly are:

And, of course, you need a millionaire:

Put all of these things together, and...wait--is that a chair?

Still available! Check out the armchair version: Here

Why, yes. Yes it is. In fact, it is a very important chair. That chair will be with you through thick and thin, all the way to the bitter end. Even when you have plummeted to the depths of financial despair, when you have sold your worldly possessions, when the outlook is grim and there's not a dollar in sight, you will hang on to this chair for dear life. And why not? It. Is. FABULOUS!

After all, love is fleeting, but well-made furniture is forever. As they say, chairs are a girl's best friend. (Of course, I wouldn't turn down a cheeseburger and a cute millionaire, too.)