Adrian, Gilbert

Gilbert Adrian (1903-1959) born Adrian Adolph Greenberg, first designed movie costumes for Rudolph Valentino in the mid-1920s. He worked for Cecil B. DeMille in 1926, and in 1928 he went to M-G-M. It was here that Adrian made his name as one of the great Hollywood designers, designing the costumes for over 230 movies.

He dressed some of Hollywood’s greatest stars, and was responsible for Joan Crawford’s big-shouldered look that influenced the way American women dressed. He was also known for his glamorous flowing gowns. In 1942, Adrian left M-G-M to open his own design house and shop in Beverly Hills. Due to illness, he retired in 1952.

The Adrian Original label was originally sold in 25 stores across the US. The ‘Adrian Custom’ label was used on anything produced for a specific client, including custom-fit suits, one-of-a-kind garments, and ensembles of very limited production, usually about six or less, with client-specific alterations or variations to the design.

See also: Adrian

Written by kickshawproductions & Bret Fowler

from a 1940s suit jacket.

Courtesy of bombshell*frocks

from a 1940s suit

Courtesy of 1950spinup

from a 1940s silk dress

Courtesy of pinky-a-gogo

from a c. 1945 suit

Courtesy of Bret Fowler MAIN off 5th

from a 1950s tie

Courtesy of Bret Fowler MAIN off 5th

from a 1950s sik shirt

Courtesy of pastperfectvintage

from a 1950s tie

Courtesy of pastperfectvintage

from an early 1960s tie

Courtesy of cmpollack