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Charles LeMaire (1897 – 1985) started out as an entertainer, but switched from vaudeville actor to Broadway designer in the 1920s. He later moved to Hollywood and in 1943 he became the head designer and director of wardrobe at 20th Century Fox. LeMaire left Fox in 1949 to form his own salon. He continued to design until his retirement in 1962.

He received numerous Academy Award nominations, winning joint awards with Edith Head for All About Eve (1950) and The Robe (1953) with Emile Santiago. As a Hollywood costume designer, LeMaire most often worked jointly with other designers, including Bonnie Cashin, Travilla, Oleg Cassini, and Dorothy Jeakins.

His film credits include:
Forever Amber (1947)
Gentlemen’s Agreement (1947)
The Halls of Montezuma (1950)
The Snows of Kilimanjaro (1952)
How to Marry a Millionaire (1953)
The Seven Year Itch (1955)
The Girl Can’t Help It
The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit (1956)
Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?
Desk Set (1957)
Compulsion (1959)

Written by catbooks1940s and pastperfectvintage.com


from a late 1950s dress - Courtesy of catbooks1940s

from a late 1950s dress

Courtesy of catbooks1940s