Monday, May 22, 2017

Cinema Wedding Gowns: The Barbarian (1933)


Today's gown comes from a Pre-code Myrna Loy film, The Barbarian (1933). After being paired with William Powell in The Thin Man (1934), Loy usually played the role of the "perfect wife." But before that she played her fair share of vamps and exotic women. In this film she plays an American tourist who is kidnapped by an Arab Prince (Ramon Novarro).

This promotional photo shows off the lovely wedding bouquet. Notice the pleated hanging cuffs on the sleeves.

 
The gown, designed by Adrian, is full length satin with a cowl neckline, long fitted sleeves with hanging pleated cuffs, and a short train. Panels in the skirt allow for movement (I wanted to include a gif of Loy walking around but the video was too long).

These two photos show the skirt in movement and the unique sleeves.

When your future mother-in-law keeps trying to straighten the hat your veil is attached to but you want it at a stylish angle.
 
 
The cathedral length veil is made of tulle attached to a small round hat edged with small buds. They can be seen clearly in the promotional photos below.

 
Doesn't Loy make a stunning bride?
 
 
The full movie can be viewed on YouTube by clicking here. The wedding dress scene is at the end, starting at 1:15:30.

2 comments:

  1. I'm really enjoying this wedding gown series. What a great idea.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks! It's a lot of fun to take a closer look at some of them, especially the ones with little screen time.

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