The Adrian File

Adrian & Norma Shearer going over designs for
"The Women" (1939). Photo courtesy Adrian Costume Design on Tumbir.com

NAME:  Adrian Adolph Greenberg aka Gilbert Adrian (1903-1959).

OCCUPATION:  Designed spectacular costumes for MGM, and later opened his own fashion house where he designed elegant and wearable ensembles for the retail trade. Many of his designs included an unusual hat, often with a touch of whimsy.

KNOWN TO DRESS:  Greta Garbo, Norma Shearer, Katherine Hepburn, Joan Crawford, Jean Harlow.

Dramatic draped hat worn by Rosalind Russell in "The Women" (1939).
Photo courtesy moviestarmakeover.com

The delightfully quirky hat worn by Greta Garbo in "Ninotchka" (1939).
Photo courtesy mubi.com

A fabulous draped hood and suit designed by Adrian for exclusive retail stores.
Photo courtesy blackbirdantiques.blogspot.com

Adrian's Elephant Ear hat, photo by John Engstead for Harper's Bazaar. 1946.

Adrian gingham ensemble, 1947.

Gene Marshall wears Ashton-Drake's 1997 "Promenade" costume designed by Tim Kennedy, circa 1945.
The hat was given an Adrian-inspired update by The Couture Touch

With a wink and a nod to Adrian, designer StrayCat creates a delightful headdress
for Monolithic Studios' mysterious beauty Oona.