Glamour – 1940’s Movie Star Style

Dahlings, it was the 1940’s. For half the decade the world was at war and then it was recovery time. Days were hard, but Hollywood kept us entertained with escapist Movie Star Glamour.

Whether a promotion for an actor or a movie, the studios spared nothing.  Katherine Hepburn made wearing wide leg pants éclat. Here, in Hepburn style palazzos, is Art Director Rebecca!

Thank you Rene! Although, in the only actual copy of a gown here today, you give Ava Gardner in “The Killers” a run for her money. Now, let’s get on with it! First out on the catwalk is AGM Gigi.

Inspired by Betty Grable, Gigi is bewitching in this Art Gowns original.

There’s no mistaking the influences of Marlene Dietrich & Rita Hayworth in Marina’s one of a kind design. Such vintage beauty!

AGM Dale is dazzling in her rendition of a Carmen Miranda gown.

Veronica Lake broke many a heart when she covered one eye with her hair. AGM Holly is also a heartbreaker in this gold lame gown.

Last out on the runway, in the spirit of Loretta Young –  Shey surrounds and spellbinds us wth romantic glory.

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Meanwhile, in the dark back of the theatre, lusted Rupert Valentino. A wanna be Matinee Idol (no relation to Rudolph), sent by DracGoth (13th cousin) to abscond with SheyGoth to Erebos. There a diabolic plan to free DracGoth & Etagloc from the SheyGoth effigy was being hatched.

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As a bonus for all the film buffs here today, I’ve prepared a slide show of our inspirations.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

…. aaand finally I present Ms. Rosso in an Art Gowns creation influenced by Vivian Leigh in the movie “That Hamilton Woman”, with undertows of Rita Hayworth in “Gilda”

You are all so wonderful for being here. Please enjoy this song and video by Christina Aguilera! Written in tribute to The Andrews Sisters’ 1941 song “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy”. 

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Unable to control his greed, Rupert Valentino sent AGMs Dale and Gigi along with Shey. No one saw backstage, as the 3 faded into the darkness of Erebos.

Not being the sharpest spoon in the drawer, Rupert unknowingly also sent a past memory of Resa’s tree into Erebos. Resa’s tree instantly sent a message to RR & PBH’s Tangle-Heart

Princess Blue Holly & Rene Rosso characters © Resa MeConaghy & Holly Rene Hunter Since May 2019

Music selections by Holly Rene Hunter

Visit the Art Gowns Models on their blogs!

Gigi SheyMarina Dale & Holly

All Magic Trees & flowers © Timothy Price from Off Center Not Even

Visit Rebecca’s Podcast where you can also find links to her other blogs!

This gown, inspired by Tim’s Irises & Rita Hayworth, is perfect for my special announcement.

“Sheridan Art and Design has published a well deserved tribute and informative interview with their accomplished alumni, our very own amazing designer extraordinaire, Resa McConaghy. 
 
To discover Resa’s philosophy about design,  to view many of her beautiful gowns and discover the secrets to her success in the competitive field of haute couture; Click on the header below!”

”I never lose sight of the fact that just being is fun.” -Katherine Hepburn

156 thoughts on “Glamour – 1940’s Movie Star Style

  1. Timothy Price

    Your drawings and gown designs are so wonderful. All put together and a fabulous story. I’m happy the trees did their magic.

    1. Aww, thank you!
      It was a lot of fun exploring the era & doing an Art Gowns rendition.
      I’d like to see “That Hamilton Woman”. I found a head shot of Vivian Leigh from the movie. All of the photos that inspired are from a book I’ve had for 30 years.

    1. Thank you!!
      As history repeats, so does fashion.
      It repeats in new ways. New modern fabrics make it look different. With all that stretch in fabrics, there’s not much need for the knowledge of drafting patterns.
      I’m glad I learned how.

  2. Oh, noooooo….. Rebecca and I are next!!!!!!!
    You are amazing, dahling! Your drawings are WONDERful and full of WONDER….and that’s understating it!
    I love your Art Gowns, I adore your 40’s Art Gowns and I can’t believe how fortunate I am to be part of your AGMs and posing with one!
    I sure am glad Tim’s magic trees are on our side!
    Mouah!
    xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
    💗🌸💗🌸💗🌸💗🌸💗🌸💗🌸💗🌸💗🌸💗

    1. Lol! No one escapes the bad guys, especially DracGoth, Rupert and Etagloc!
      However, they are easily foiled due to their idiotic greed and logic.
      All Etagloc cares about at this point is that Rupert remembers to bring him a carton of cigarettes.
      You are a fabulous AGM! I adore drawing you in the gowns. All this gown drawing is making me a better artist…..little by little!
      The 40’s turned out to be a lot of fun.
      Tim’s magic trees are pivotal to protecting the AGMs and snitching on the bad guys to PBH!
      ❤️🌹💃🏽❤️🌹💃🏽❤️🌹💃🏽❤️🌹💃🏽❤️🌹💃🏽❤️🌹💃🏽❤️🌹💃🏽❤️🌹💃🏽

  3. What a wonderful gathering of stunning gals from days gone by. You have a gift, young Resa. Your chosen mix of subject matter across various art forms proves your unique imagination, and after all art is only art when the artist has their very own individual imagination. Have a fine festive season. Regards, TOF of Frozen Land

    1. Dear TOF,

      Thank you so much! I always figured I had a unique take in life, because I never really fit in perfectly, anywhere.
      TOF of Frozen Land, you have a marvellous season, as well! Are Shirl & George frozen, too?
      Resa of The Other Frozen Land.

      1. We are all frozen. Our old Victorian house cold as cold can be, even with all the heat on inside…not that I’d ever heat anything outside. My Moroccan thobe now pointless. Still, come the sun I’ll be back on my camel once more. Enjoy your Christmas, young Resa.

  4. My goodness, this is beyond expectation Resa. You know my love for that vintage, that time of Hollywood and you’ve brought it to life with the most amazing collection if iconic stars and gowns. And more than that you’ve woven this fabulous story in the threads. I love it. Wonderful start to this snowy day, Thank you for all the time you take and spend doing this. This AGm is hungrily waiting the next installment. xxxxxxxxxxxx

    1. Dear Shey,

      It is a marvellous era!
      Thank you for being so fabulous! It was lots of fun drawing you a la Loretta.
      There will be a bit of a surprise when we get back to Erebos.
      Of course instead of 2 bad guys, we have 3; all idiots.
      Etagloc has run out of smokes, and will go along with whatever plan DracGoth has to be freed from the puppet hold of the SheyGoth effigy.
      I thought of sending in the Dudes, but Etagloc might get them hooked on cigarettes.

      xxxxxxxxxxxxxxooooooooooooooxxxxxxxxxxx

    1. Yay!
      Thank you, Merril! 💙
      Well, I was inspired by the 1940’s Movie Stars.
      Holly and I are always trying to find a new theme for the fashion shows.
      This one just kind of fell in our laps.
      My drawings are getting better as time goes by. That makes me happy, too!

  5. Great tribute to Hollywood’s Golden Age! I enjoyed the music and thought the article/interview was great. Love the graffiti gown you were wearing – goes well with your passion for street art. Oh well, a cliff hanger with notes of hope… Looking forward to the next installment.

    1. Hello Trent!
      Yes, it was the Golden Age, even though most of the movies were still in black and white.

      The book I used for the slideshow pics is fabulous. Lol, not a candid shot in the lot.
      Still, the art direction, wardrobe, lighting, posing, etc. is golden.

      Yeah, the graffiti gown, Gigi talked me into modelling it.
      Yes, notes of hope! Now, just to draw it all! 🤣

  6. Thank you dear Resa, this is an enchanting walk down nostalgia lane. The 40’s were a era never to be forgotten. Hollywood and it’s stars were a magical escape and you’ve brought that all back to us with the glamour of such gorgeous ladies and elegant gowns. Outstanding artwork Meece! It’s all dreamy. Congratulations on the Sheridan article, loved discovering the many facets of your work as a designer. This is absolutely top drawer !
    xoxoxo

        1. Thank you dahling, so much fun! Thank you for all that and your amazing creativity and above all your kind and generous heart as big the world, and a sense of humor that brightens my days. ❤️

    1. Dearest Holly (Meece),
      It sure was fun exploring this era. Everything was so exciting after the war was over.
      Hollywood was so glamorous back then.
      Lol! It would be more glamorous today if the Stars wore Art Gowns in support of the environment.
      Loved drawing RR in that Ava Gardner gown. I couldn’t resist. Plus the pose was a new stretch for me.
      Also, thank you from the bottom of my heart for the intro to the Sheridan article!
      NOW, for PBH to get to Erebos, save the AGMs and take care of DracGoth, Etagloc and Rupert. (Idiots)
      Etagloc is out of cigarettes, and Rupert is supposed to bring him a carton.
      Thank you for all your help with these Gowntoons!!!!
      xoxoxo
      xoxoxo

      1. Dear Meece #1, This may be my favorite Gowntoon, but I always think that after each one! You are gifted with talent and awesome creativity, no wonder you’ve achieved such tremendous success. You are a Star ⭐️!
        Adore you and all the fun we have, congratulations dahling , you deserve the very best!
        Btw, I’m concerned for Sheygoth. Valentino ( no relation to Rudolph) is quite the charmer, I fear he may have devious intentions for our AGM! I’m on it!
        xoxoxo
        xoxoxo

        1. Yeah, we are both stars! ⭐️ 🐭🐭⭐️

          It’s going to be nuts when PBH gets to Erebos.
          Etagloc will do anything for a smoke, and DracGoth has a plan to replace the SheyGoth effigy with the real SheyGoth. It’s diabolical, especially now that he has incorporated the help of Rupert Valentino (no relation) who is a massive idiot.
          Does he really think he can just grab a couple more AGMs, without facing consequences?

          Fortunately, PBH has a completely new outfit (with cape).
          The cape presents a whole new realm of super hero abilities.
          It gonna be great. Now, just to draw it all! Lol!
          Love you to pieces!
          xoxoxo

          1. Agreed, we are totally awesome 😎! We will definitely put the kibosh (sp) on Rupert’s ( no relation) devious doings and teach him not to mess with the AGM’s! A cape is a dream come true. Up and away!
            💗👯‍♀️💗

              1. Ha! How much will SheyGoth be enamoured when he’s a bat….. with the DracGoth head. OMG..Hahaha..
                Oh oh…. I wonder if turning SheyGoth into a bat is part of his diabolical plan?
                We need to talk, gf!

              2. Yeah …Hahaha, the vision – DG turns into a bat with DG’s head. PBH can fly with her new cape. He is bat sized squaring off with PBH who is human sized.
                Yet another brilliant move by DG!
                Meanwhile on the ground in Erebos…. cough, cough as Etagloc smokes 3 at a time, and Rupert…. okay will revert to email!

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  8. Wow. Just when I think it can’t get any better…it does. This is fantastic. Love the plot, the amazing and gorgeous gowns and another hit, Resa. Thank you for making me part of it. Love and hugs..<3

  9. Pingback: Glamour – 1940’s Movie Star Style — Art Gowns (from Fabulous Resa) | Rethinking Life

  10. Stunning as always Resa! Did I tell you y daughter drew pictures of wedding gowns in the 6th and 7th grade and they were stunning? Nothing like yours but none the less, very cool. It was so sad that is’ the only art I couldn’t find when she got married a couple of months ago. Love these and my tree thanks to Tim the Santa Cynthia sends your tree and tangle heart Holly’s love and hugs.
    💞🙏🏼

    1. Hello Cindy!
      Thank you!
      OMG! Her wedding dresses were the only art you couldn’t find? That’s crazy!
      Tim and his magic trees are quite important to the plots on the Gowntoons.
      We are all lucky to have one.
      Love and hugs to you! 💞🙏🏼

    1. Thank you so much, Michael!
      I still can’t get to your blog.
      If I can find it in the reader, I can comment from there.
      I tried today, but couldn’t find it!
      I try!! Thank you for the reblog! Your visits are always wonderful! xxxx

    1. Thank you, Dave! Much appreciated.

      I just love having fun with my blog pals.
      There are a lot of amazing people out here. I wish I could draw faster & better, then I could include more pals. 🤗

  11. Oooh. I loved this. Your gowns are fabulous, Resa. You outdid yourself. I love the “incomplete” aspect on some of them. Is that new, or have you always left little areas undrawn? Such allure when part of the gown remains hidden from view. These are all stunning. And wonderful photos of Resa’s tree. ❤ I'm glad you shared the article. It's great and so well deserved. Loved the post, my friend.

    1. Thank you, Diana! ❤❤

      So, the undrawn areas is a fashion illustration technique.

      The only art lessons I ever had were in college. Once a week for 2 years we had “Fashion Illustration”.
      It was almost gone with the wind at that point.
      It was a course for those who wanted to draw for fashion magazine or newspaper ads.
      There’s quite a history here.
      Even at the advent of photography, it was a daring and expensive proposition to print photos in a magazine. Fashion designs and ads were drawn.
      It was largely gone by the 80’s. Still, there were a lot of fab illustrations in Vogue, etc. in the70’s.

      I learned that if you can’t quite get the mechanics of all of the body, but you have a great one side… you don’t need the other side. Fade/fake it out!

      The same applies to lighting. Which is my demon at this juncture.

      I’m still learning. However my background is not still life or life drawing. It is illustration.
      You are a gem, Diana! I hope you will be as thrilled with the drawings of Aster that I am now embarked upon! xx

    1. Dear John,
      I snuck over here before I answered other comments.
      I needed to OX you!
      Yes, I believe the AGMs feel my love I feel theirs!
      The tree is unsurpassed in the land of magic trees.
      OX OX OX

  12. Now, THIS is glamour! I thoroughly enjoyed your delightful post. I also enjoyed the Sheridan article you shared. You are a very impressive woman!!

    Funny thing, Rupert Valentino looks like a cross between David Bowie and the Joker.

  13. Hi Resa, I love your designs in this post and the whole spirit of the fashion show. The article you shared is interesting. I had no idea you hand sewed all your gowns. That is wonderful and amazing. I had sewed a dress once for a school project, we didn’t own a machine so I didn’t know what else to do. It was a lot of work, I remember it clearly. Bravo to you!

    1. Thank you, Roberta!
      I think this is one of my best, if not my best fashion show.
      The Movie Stars of the 40’s are quite inspiring.
      I decided the Art Gowns had to do something for the environment, sewing by hand is part of that.
      It is slow going, and that is why you remember.
      Needle in….. needle out …… needle in ….. needle out………
      Bravo to you, too!

    1. Thank you smiling Eddie!
      When I started this blog, it had to be about beauty.
      Gowns are gorgeous, and who else blogs about gowns? My drawing has improved a lot! Plus, now that I’m making the Art Gowns out of cast off materials headed for landfill, they are helping the environment.
      HUGS!!!!

  14. Oh Sorceress! You are amazing. How I ended up being included in this fabulous group is beyond me but I am oh-so honoured! And your drawings are gorgeouser and gorgeouser.

    Oh! How did I get sucked down with Gigi and Shey! Thank goodness for that tree. Cannot wait to see how you get us out of this mess.

    Beautiful, dahlink!

    1. You’re kidding?
      You were made for this group!
      Thunder got you in! Lol!!!
      Yeah, I just need to keep drawing!
      Now I have to draw bad guys again!
      Somehow… besides PBH coming to save you… well I have a few ideas. Holly and I are mulling plots over.
      Thank you, dahlink!
      xoxoxo

      1. I am not kidding.
        But I am beyond chuffed you think so.
        That thunder, eh?
        You keep on drawing, lovely Sorceress!
        Somehow. And I am certain it will be wonderful.
        xoxoxo

  15. Wow, Resa — what a fabulous post! You hit all the right notes. You pos-i-lutely outdid yourself with the gorgeous sketches. The slide show was a nice touch. (As a little girl, sitting on the floor in front of the TV watching old black and white movies, I was fascinated by Veronica Lake, and wished I looked like her.)
    Thanks for including the video. I wasn’t familiar with that. A terrific colorful modernization of boogie-woogie. Hugs.

    1. Teagan!
      Thank you so much!
      I still enjoy old b&w movies. We have breakfast in bed and watch The NOIR movie (Noir Alley with Eddie Muller- TCM ) on Sunday morning.
      Ha! Veronica Lake. Well I adore her with the hair over the one eye.
      I always thought my mom looked like Ava Gardner, but she said she looked like Liz Taylor.
      I’m thrilled you like this post!! Hugs!

    1. Hello Lauren,

      Thank you! My drawing is getting better (whew)!
      The story part is fun, but I need to tell it with images, like cartoons.
      Charlotte Hoather named them “Gowntoons”, and I’m sticking with it!
      Glad you read the article. My Alma Mater approached me, and I thought, why not?

      You were in a vocal group, so cool.
      I always wanted to sing, and joined the choir in high school.
      Unfortunately when the big city wide competition came, I was told to mouth it! Lol!
      💗💗xoxo💗💗

  16. Gorgeous gowns, gorgeous era of fashion, and fabulous characters. I love your gown stories. And kudos to your feature in the Sheridan College article. You rock my talented friend!!! Holidays hugs your way. ❤ xox

    1. Dear Debby,
      Thank you so much!
      It is a great era for glamour. It’s also right on that a lot of the stars of the era travelled war zones to entertain the troops.
      Thank you for taking the time to read the article! You rock, too!
      Holidays hugs back at ya! xo ❤ xo

    1. Edith was #1.
      Still, just for gowns, Jean Louis tied her at least once. All in all a glamorous time, in this 1 regard… the gowns on the leading ladies.
      Nice to see you!

  17. Resa – I am very very late to this party, which is the most glamorous event that I have ever attended. You are a master of style whether in the 1940’s or in the 2020’s. You brought out memories for me of Ava Gardner, Bette Davis, Rita Hayworth, Grace Kelly Ingrid Bergman, and Doris Day. These women were fearless in fashion and in life. When I wear my palazzo pants, I feel connected to Marlene Dietrich, Greta Garbo and my favouite – Katharine Hepburn!

    I am truly honoured to be the Art Director! Your drawings and story draw a community together. And you keep us ever guessing on what will come next.

    We were in Ottawa this past week and found ourselves in a huge snowstorm. We made it back to Vancouver earlier this week, landing just a few hours before they closed the airport. We are expecting more snow tonight and advisories are out telling us to stay indoors and off the roads. We usually have a green Christmas, but this year we will be able to sing, “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas”

    All the very best of this special time of year. Sending much love and many hugs.

  18. I know your models are 1940s style but i have a favorite from the 1950s…Jean Patchett. Your drawings are so unique and beautiful! Love the blending of the Iris into the one models gown.

  19. Pingback: Glamour – 1940’s Movie Star Style — Art Gowns | By the Mighty Mumford

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