Helen Rose: The Designer Who Dressed 1950s Hollywood

Helen Rose was one of the most influential costume designers of Hollywood’s Golden Age, creating the screen wardrobes of Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly, Lana Turner, Judy Garland and many other MGM stars. As MGM’s legendary costume designer, Rose helped define the glamorous image of 1940s and 1950s Hollywood — and eventually designed one of the most famous wedding dresses of the 20th century: Grace Kelly’s 1956 royal wedding gown. Working behind the scenes at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Helen Rose understood that a film costume had to do much more than make an actress beautiful. Clothes could establish character, communicate status, transform a silhouette and help create the fantasy audiences associated with Hollywood itself. This video explores Helen Rose’s career at MGM, her work with Elizabeth Taylor and Grace Kelly, her Academy Award-winning costume design, the making of iconic Hollywood wardrobes, and the remarkable influence she had on American fashion beyond the screen. From movie costumes to royal wedding history, Helen Rose helped create the visual language we still associate with classic Hollywood glamour. Chapters: 00:00 Helen Rose and Hollywood’s Golden Age 00:38 From Chicago to Hollywood Costume Design 01:28 Elizabeth Taylor, Judy Garland & Lana Turner 02:04 How Helen Rose Designed a Hollywood Character 03:42 Grace Kelly’s 1956 Royal Wedding Dress 05:09 Helen Rose’s Academy Awards 06:37 Designing More Than 200 Hollywood Films 08:03 Life After MGM: Fashion and Bridal