Irene building her Malibu beach home
I would like to see what this home looks like today.. My mother remembers staying here for mini-vacations. Unfortunately, she recalls that she could never sleep well because the waves were so noisy. I love the sound of the ocean. Apparently Irene did too. She loved the beach and had always wanted a beach home. Hope you enjoyed the photos. Clicking on them will show you a larger view by the way. Have a great day!
Read MoreHayden Ave view of former Irene Inc
Last week, I posted Irene Inc, which included a photo of Irene in front of her studio. I thought that getting an updated view of the building would be fun, but I couldn’t remember the name of the street! My mother reminded me it was Hayden, so I looked it up on Google Maps. Don’t you love technology? I don’t know the building number, otherwise, I may have been able to find out what business occupies that space now. I’ll work on that. For now, the photos: This is a recent picture Hayden Ave (courtesy of Google Maps). Click for larger view. .. and 1950′s Irene...
Read MoreIrene Inc.
This is a photo of Irene leaving her studio, Irene Inc. in Culver City. “Once the designer for Los Angeles’ swank Bullock’s-Wilshire store, Irene, who is married to Hollywood Writer Eliot Gibbons (brother of MGM’s art director, Cedric Gibbons) went to M-G-M in 1942, where she heads a staff of more than 200. She will now cut down her M-G-M designing to eight or ten major pictures a year, delegate the rest to her assistants. MGM, anticipating profitable publicity tie-ins from the department stores, is entirely happy about the setup.” Read the full article from TIME, originally written Aug. 25,...
Read MoreIrene picnicking with Clark Gable and friends
It’s been a while since I updated the site with news or photos. I have been busy with work and family projects. For now, I’m going to post a photo I scanned a while back. It’s a snapshot of Irene and friends, picnicking. Unfortunately, I do not know the location, but I have seen a few of these snapshots and know that Irene enjoyed the outdoor activities, hunting/shooting with friends such as Garry Cooper, Clark Gable and Ernest Hemingway. In this particular snapshot, you can see Gable tending to the fire while Irene and the girls get the food ready. My guess is Elliot (Gibbons) was person behind the camera. .. Will post more...
Read MoreIrenes 1942 WW2 design for defense
Thanks to Matt, of OldMagazineArticles.com, for sharing this article with us. The article reads: “The noted Hollywood stylist, Irene, performed a real service for defense when she designed her all-around defense suit. Of sturdy gabardine, worn with long cotton service socks and plastic shoes, it is nevertheless as attractive as any civilian suit, and more practical than most. In this outfit, women war workers will not feel self-conscious and ill at ease.” Please click here for the full photo/article feature at OldMagazineArticles.com....
Read MoreIrene at the Webster House Event
Two fashions from the Historic Garment District Museum, displayed at the Webster House. The one on the left is by Irene and the one on the right is by Norman Norell. Thanks to Harzfeld’s for sharing information about this event with us. Please click here for the full article and more photos....
Read MoreOn the red carpet with Irene
An Irene gown was recently walked down the red carpet, by the talented Parker Posey, at the Costume Designers Guild Awards. The dress is gorgeous! The Fashion blog of The Recessionista shares this news, along with wonderful photos and information of other red carpet starlets who have worn Irene’s designs from the role in the movie that Irene dressed them for, to the stage where they received their Oscar. Irene was nominated for the Oscar on a couple of occasions, but did not win it. Many years later however, at the 7th Annual Costume Designer’s Guild Awards (2005), Irene was awarded into the Hall of fame. Click photo for full size...
Read MoreAbout Irene
Irene is my grand-aunt, and admired for her work in women's fashion and Hollywood costume design. Her talent as a successful clothing designer in Los Angeles led to her long career as a costume designer for many great films in Hollywood.. until her sudden death in 1962. I hope you enjoy your visit.. ~ Karlyn
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