Sunset Boulevard is an ageless story about aging --and fame. Besides the engaging story written by Billy Wilder, the fashion worn by Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond is also timeless glamor. The great costumer Edith Head made sure to pay attention to every little detail, dressing Norma in extravagant jewels and gowns. (The Valentino's!) Though there was no one except the forgotten star's butler and young boy toy Joe Gillis, Ms. Desmond appeared decked to the nines in every scene, from the pool side, to the private screening room to her very last close up with "Mr. Demille."
Gloria Swanson, herself was said to have quite expensive taste when it came to jewels. It seems she was a pioneer in the red carpet rentals. Even though she rented her jewelry at 10% of the actual cost, a one year budget for the glistening gems totaled $500,000 a year. (Remember, she was in Sunset Boulevard in 1950!)
Coincidently, the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco and Cartier have organized the Cartier and America exhibition. You have until May 9th to check out Ms. Swanson's bracelets she wore in the film.
