1999 HALL OF FAME

Edith Head (1903-1981)

Arguably the most famous Costume Designer in Hollywood history, Edith Head was also one of the most prolific, having costumed for over 500 films.

She employed her formidable talent and versatility designing everything from westerns to monster movies, intimate romances to Biblical spectacles. By 1976, Head had received a remarkable eight Academy Awards and a total of thirty-three Academy Award nominations.

During her prolific career Edith Head frequently averaged 35 film projects a year. She designed for such greats as Alfred Hitchcock, Bing Crosby, Jerry Lewis, Gary Cooper, Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly, Barbara, Stanwyk, and Audrey Hepburn.

She made fashion history with the sarong she created for Dorothy Lamour in "The Jungle Princess" and the shoulder-tied boat neck for Audrey Hepburn in "Sabrina."

She studied art at the Otis Art Institute and the Chouinard School of Art. When Howard Greer (Head Designer at Paramount) advertised for a sketch artist, Head applied. She so impressed Greer that she was hired and given further training at the studio. Later, when Travis Banton took over from Howard Greer, Head stayed on to work for him.

When Banton left in 1938, she became Head Designer and worked at Paramount until 1967. After leaving Paramount she worked at Universal and also designed for various films for MGM, Warners, Columbia, and Fox.

In addition to her illustrious design career, Edith Head also acted as Fashion Editor of Holiday magazine. She authored two successful books: The Dress Doctor and How to Dress for Success. Edith twice appeared in film as herself, with her signature round dark glasses, in the films "Lucy Gallant" and "The Oscar." When she died in 1981 Edith Head was a household name, and costume design, a coveted profession.

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