The Connector
The Connector
Photo by Jade Forest.
Photo by Jade Forest.

by Kamila Morell

In addition to the beautiful Oscar de la Renta gowns currently on view at SCAD Fash, the museum is also hosting select fashion-related film screenings. This quarter is all about the “vixens” of the screen with memorable characters that are known just as much for their style as for their actions. Screenings are held at the museum’s modern and comfortable film salon, followed by a SCAD professor-led discussion about them. This event is open to the public and free for SCAD students, faculty and staff.

“The Great Gatsby” (1974) on November 19 at 6pm

“The Great Gatsby” of 1974 was actually the third film version released of the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel. Starring Robert Redford as Jay Gatsby and Mia Farrow as Daisy Buchanan, the film received mixed reviews upon premiering, but not when it came to its costumes. Expertly designed by Theoni V. Aldredge, who also won an Academy Award for her amazing work on this film, the costumes represent classic Newport elegance, opulence and sophistication that help move the story and its characters through the Prohibition era. Designer Ralph Lauren is credited with dressing the men in this movie, even though there was a slight controversy over who actually designed versus who executed the garments (Aldredge claimed Lauren was getting undue attention, not even mentioning him during her Oscar speech).Check out the film trailer here.  

“All About Eve” (1950) on December 10 at 6pm

All about Eve was released in 1950, and starred Bette Davis and Anne Baxter as the protagonists in this film about a young actress who gets close (too close) to an established, older, stage star. Dealing with themes of celebrity, fame, age and the darker side of Hollywood, “All about Eve” was named an “early version of “The Devil Wears Prada” by Harper’s Bazaar. Nominated for six Academy Awards, it won—Best B/W Costume Design, so expect major fashion moments. Edith Head, the legendary American costume designer, created iconic and glamorous looks for this film like the off-shoulder fur-trim dress and the sprawling white ball gown that looks straight out of an 1850’s romance novel. Check out the film trailer and prepare to be amazed.