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Edith Head
 
 
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Edith Head [Hardcover]

Chierichetti (Author)
3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)

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From Publishers Weekly

Film historian Chierichetti pays tribute to the grit behind one woman's glamorous career. Head spent more than 40 years at Paramount, won eight Oscars and became as famous as the stars she dressed. Her longevity came thanks to diplomacy and manipulation, and Chierichetti meticulously details her love affairs, touted designs and public appeal. From 1925 until her death in 1981, Head was a byword in Hollywood and an American fashion icon. She endured long hours, modest pay and studio machinations, yet never lost her cool. And she dressed everyone, from Barbara Stanwyck and Grace Kelly to Paul Newman. Draped in dark glasses and severe suits, Head was a master at playing politics and keeping competitors at bay. She was also an accomplished liar, which haunted her throughout her life. Head accepted the Oscar for Sabrina, though the gowns were designed by Givenchy. She gambled that the unknown Frenchman would remain silent-and he did. Not that the impenetrable Head wasn't a talent in her own right. Her ability to stay within budget and placate divas-"I might have to dress her again"-was as legendary as her fashion virtuosity. Olivia de Havilland dubbed her "a marvel." Yet the twice-married designer was also insecure and aloof; keeping secrets kept her in the game. Few, save Chierichetti, ever penetrated her inner core. He paints an absorbing sketch of an ambitious woman whose career defined Hollywood's golden years. Fashion lovers will enjoy his homage, and his devotion to movie magic. Photos.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Adult/High School-When Hollywood was young, a teacher named Edith Head passed off her students' sketches as her own to get a job at Paramount Pictures as a costume designer's assistant. This ruse was the beginning of the career of one of the most talented and honored individuals in the history of motion pictures. She continued to pass off the work of others as her own, was frighteningly insecure, and played politics to the hilt to get ahead. By the end of her career, however, these qualities detracted only slightly from her natural talent and creativity. In interviews with the author, Head dished dirt on the figure flaws of such leading ladies as Bette Davis and Barbara Stanwyck. While these are not household names to today's teens, Hollywood glamour has changed little over time. The loyalty Head received from these stars for making them look so flawless contributed much to her success. Photographs show how well her designs worked. The list of film credits spans more than 50 years and hundreds of movies. Teens with an interest in fashion and film will find this biography fascinating.
Jamie Watson, Enoch Pratt Free Library, Baltimore
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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6 Reviews
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3.2 out of 5 stars (6 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars IS THERE A DRESS DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE?, Mar 17 2003
By A Customer
This review is from: Edith Head (Hardcover)
Edith Head's young confidante tells all! Would that he had. In light of the author's access, this is a real disappointment for Head fans; much of the, uh, material (groan!) here has appeared elsewhere long ago. Sloppily researched (many of the dates in Head's filmography are incorrect, the name of Nancy Olson's "Sunset Boulevard" character is wrong, etc.) and even the lay-out is slapdash: Of all the legendary costumes Head created, the entire back cover is adorned by a sketch of a dull stewardess uniform she "probably" designed for one the "Airport" sequels. If you've never read anything about the designer, this is Edith Head 101. My advice to anyone else? Bolt!
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2.0 out of 5 stars Would have been a great article, April 15 2004
By 
Marsha Wood Wirtel (Philly's Western 'Burbs) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
This review is from: Edith Head (Hardcover)
Chierichetti has produced what would have been a fascinating article for Vanity Fair or Vogue, but falls short as a full length biography. His subject spent many celebrated decades as a Hollywood costume designer but we learn little about Edith Head's actual creative process, her interactions with the stars she dressed or even how she felt about her job (other than she seemed monumentally insecure about her success). The book is also missing photographic documentation that would help the reader understand how great her impact really was. In the end, we don't learn much more about Edith Head or her life, but rather we learn the same stuff over and over: she was a champion dissembler, she had a complex emotional life, she was conflicted over her parentage and upbringing. Check, check, check. Anything else?
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1.0 out of 5 stars Why is this book so terrible???, Nov 7 2003
By 
B Bard (California, US) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
This review is from: Edith Head (Hardcover)
This is, most probably, the worst book I have ever read. I have been struggling to come up with concise reasons as to just what makes it so terrible. This book is so bad, that I am at a loss as to where to start.
First, the choice of photos is dismal. There are few photos of any costumes that won awards. The majority of the photos are head & shoulder shots, that reveal nothing of the lines or designs. The few sketches are done by others. The inclusion of them adds nothing to understanding Head's work.
Second, the writing is abysmal. The author starts in on an event, topic, subject & disposes of it in one or two sentences. Not one subject is dealt with in any depth. Things are thrown in for no apparent purpose except to take up space. As an example, we are told Head thought, after viewing Star Wars, Princess Leia's costume should have a side zipper. That's it - why is this important at all? This is not a film she had any connection with. The author tosses off a remark that someone doesn't want to hire Head because she has told too many lies. (When, to whom, what, WHAT???) One is just left with this statement, it has not been explained previously & it is never explained.
The book is merely cover-to-cover filler. The publisher & the editor should be ashamed.
If you are interested in Head's fashions, save your money & rent the movies - they will give you more information than this book.
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