Gilbert Adrian

Object Details

Artist

George Hurrell, 1 Jun 1904 - 17 May 1992

Sitter

Gilbert Adrian, 3 Mar 1903 - 13 Sep 1959

Exhibition Label

As MGM’s principal costume designer from 1928 to 1941, Gilbert Adrian (born Adrian Adolf Greenberg) brought high fashion glamour to the silver screen while influencing off-screen style trends as well. In his work for more than two hundred films, Adrian mastered the art of designing for the camera. Whether creating sensuous gowns or crisply tailored suits, he ensured that his designs would flatter the wearer and heighten their star power. He is credited with transforming Greta Garbo into “a goddess of glamour” while also creating signature looks such as Joan Crawford’s padded shoulders and Jean Harlow’s figure hugging, bias-cut satins. When the screen credits proclaimed “Gowns by Adrian,” audiences knew to expect the latest in eye-catching designs.

Adrian is best remembered today for creating the costumes for The Wizard of Oz (1939)—from Dorothy’s iconic ruby slippers to the outfits worn by every other character in that memorable film.

Como principal diseñador de vestuario de MGM entre 1928 y 1941, Gilbert Adrian (nacido Adrian Adolf Greenberg) no solo llevó la alta costura y el glamur a la gran pantalla, sino que influyó en las tendencias de la moda fuera del cine. En más de 200 filmes, Adrian perfeccionó el arte de diseñar para las cámaras. Ya fueran trajes de chaqueta o sensuales vestidos de noche, se aseguraba de que sus diseños favorecieran a los usuarios y realzaran su imagen estelar. Se le atribuye haber transformado a Greta Garbo en “una diosa del glamur” y haber creado “looks” distintivos como las hombreras de Joan Crawford y los ceñidos trajes de satén cortados al bies de Jean Harlow. Cuando los créditos de una película anunciaban “vestuario por Adrian”, el público ya esperaba modelos llamativos de última moda.

Adrian es muy recordado por el vestuario de El mago de Oz (1939), desde las icónicas zapatillas de rubí hasta los atuendos de cada personaje en esta memorable película.

Credit Line

National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; acquired in part through the generosity of an anonymous donor

1936

Object number

NPG.2022.27

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply

Type

Photograph

Medium

Gelatin silver print

Dimensions

Image: 24.6 × 19.3 cm (9 11/16 × 7 5/8")

Sheet: 25.3 × 20.2 cm (9 15/16 × 7 15/16")

Mount: 50.7 × 37.9 cm (19 15/16 × 14 15/16")

See more items in

National Portrait Gallery Collection

Exhibition

Star Power: Photographs from Hollywood’s Golden Age by George Hurrell

On View

NPG, South Gallery 120

National Portrait Gallery

Topic

Interior

Home Furnishings\Furniture\Seating\Chair

Equipment\Drafting & Writing Implements\Writing implement\Pencil

Home Furnishings\Telephone

Artwork\Drawing

Costume\Dress Accessory\Neckwear\Tie\Necktie

Gilbert Adrian: Male

Gilbert Adrian: Arts and Culture\Visual Arts\Designer\Fashion designer

Gilbert Adrian: Arts and Culture\Visual Arts\Designer\Costume designer

Portrait

Record ID

npg_NPG.2022.27

Metadata Usage (text)

Usage conditions apply

GUID (Link to Original Record)

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/sm4a40b6cf4-5fe2-4783-a68d-08575b945be5