Hollywood Before Glamour: Fashion in American Silent Film

by Michelle Tolini Finamore

This exploration of fashion in American silent film offers fresh perspectives on the era preceding the studio system, and the evolution of Hollywood's distinctive brand of glamour. By the 1910s, the moving image was an integral part of everyday life and communicated fascinating, but as yet un-investigated, ideas and ideals about fashionable dress.

Genres: Nonfiction, Fashion, Film

259 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book that traces the history of costume design in Hollywood film, as well as specific trends in American fashion, from around 1900 to the mid 1930s. I learned a lot of new things about fashion and film independently, but even more about how the two connected and some deeper implications in costume choices in many of the films of this era. In certain chapters, some more photos would have been nice for added context, but overall, a good read for people who are interested in learning more about this period in both fashion and film.

[Greta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of interesting details in this book, which concentrates on designers in the fashion industry in the period leading up to the professionalization of Hollywood costume designers. I was a little confused by the organization of the book, but perhaps i was reading too slowly to follow the argument

[Marci Darling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love to read anything written by Michelle Finamore. How can writing be both historical and academic, but still fresh and frisky? I don't know, but Finamore does it. Fabulous book.