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William Travilla (1920-1990) was born in Southern California and began his artistic training at the age of 8, studying at the Chouinard Art Institute of Los Angeles. Thanks to funds from an inheritance, he was able to travel the world, spending a year in Tahiti and the South Seas. Upon his return, he enrolled at Woodbury University where he studied fashion design, graduating in 1941. After graduation, he found employment as an uncredited designer at Western Costumes, a costume rental shop frequented by the major studios.

A chance meeting with actress Ann Sheridan helped jump-start Travilla’s career in film. She had started collecting his paintings inspired by his Tahitian travels, and requested he be hired as her personal costume designer on her film Nora Prentiss. It was a hit, making Travilla one of Hollywood’s most sought after costume designers. Working on over 100 films during Hollywood’s Golden Age, he was nominated for four Academy Awards, winning one for The Adventures of Don Juan (1948). Although his screen credits are extensive, Travilla is best-known as Marilyn Monroe’s favorite designer both on and off-screen, and was responsible for creating the iconic “subway grate” dress from The Seven Year Itch, and the pink satin bow dress from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.

In the early 1950s he began his own label, designing for the public as well as for the stars. He worked through the 1950s and 1960s, making elegant, but comfortable clothing. In 1970, he closed shop and moved to Spain, but resumed his label in 1977, designing the costumes for the Dallas television program starting in 1985, winning an Emmy for Best Costume Design for a Series. Lourdes Chavez was hired to assist him with his later collections and had her own sub-collection: YT, “Young Travilla”. She became head designer after Travilla’s death, holding that position from 1992 through 1998.

Written by Ranch Queen Vintage


from a 1980s hourglass jacket - Courtesy of Ranch Queen Vintage

from a 1980s hourglass jacket

Courtesy of Ranch Queen Vintage

from a 1980s dress suit - Courtesy of Lady Scarletts Vintage

from a 1980s dress suit

Courtesy of Lady Scarletts Vintage