Fashion in "Imitation of Life" (1959)

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Imitation of Life (1959) was a remake of the 1934 film of the same name starring Claudette Colbert. In this version, starring Lana Turner as Lora Meredith, it gets a glamorous update. The film, while still true to the original story, and certainly worth watching for that (make sure you have lots of Kleenex), it is also a fashion showcase where Lana gets to model 34 ensembles, designed by Jean Louis. Her jewels in the film were worth $1 million with the gowns costing an estimated $78,000, or around $2,218 each.

The film was directed by Douglas Sirk and was his last film. It also stars John Gavin as Steve Archer, Sandra Dee as Lora's daughter, Susan Kohner as the troubled Sarah Jane, and Juanita Moore as Annie Johnson.

Click here for a great write-up of the film as well as more pictures. All of the following screenshots were taken by me. Feel free to use them if you ever want to write a post on this film.

Not a great screenshot, but it shows her whole outfit 

Gingham dress, white belt 

 

Lora: You're aiming high.

Steve: Why not? It doesn't cost anymore.

Mother in Distress 

Look at that bling!

The dress matches her eyes 

A look at the back of the dress 

Probably my favorite outfit of Turners

That's John Gavin's real-life wife, Cicely Evans, next to him.

This is the only film she appeared in (uncredited)

A falling star

LOVE Sandra Dee's dress here!

Turquoise and coral

Let's take another look at John Gavin, shall we?

 

My camera could easily have a love affair with you.

Touché.

In case you were wondering, Gavin is 6'4" and Turner was 5'3" (my height!
Now why don't I have a figure like hers...)
 

They like to film Gavin from this angle, instead of showing his beautiful face.