A strange and entertaining vintage film, Kismet (1944) stars Marlene Dietrich as the head wife of the Grand Vizier "when old Baghdad was new." Yep, were talking about Marlene as the top lady in a polygamous harem. Set in the Baghdad, a beggar magician masquerades as a king and talks his way into visiting the Grand Vizier's palace, all in the hopes of making his daughter a princess or Queen. There he meets Jameela, (Marlene Dietrich) and captures her heart. Chaos ensues, and you can probably guess that it all works out for our heroes in the end.
For the mid-forties, the costumes were a huge production and Dietritch's big dance scene included her legs covered in gold paint. The chain-mail outfit originally planned was too restricting. I guess they didn't have American Apparel gold leggings then?
If you're feeling inspired by this vintage MGM fairly tale, then here's how to add a little Arabian-nights themed theme flair to your wardrobe.
Finally, just want to let you know that Marlene was 42 years old when she made this film.
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.
