During her half-century in Hollywood, costume designer Edith Head worked on more than a thousand films. Here are some of her best-each as timeless as Head's creations. For more on her legendary career and photographs of her stylish ensembles-not to mention her own Coldwater Canyon hacienda-see the October issue of Veranda. And don't miss the photo-filled book Edith Head: The Fifty-Year Career of Hollywood's Greatest Costume Designer by Jay Jorgensen, new from Running Press.
Double Indemnity (1944): The film noir classic stars Barbara Stanwyck as a murderous femme fatale opposite a gullible Fred MacMurray. Stanwyck and Head would eventually work together on more than twenty-five films.
All About Eve (1950): Bette Davis plays a Broadway star upstaged by a young fan. This blockbuster was nominated for fourteen Oscars-more than Gone With the Wind-and won six, including best picture. Head won, too.
Sunset Boulevard (1950): Gloria Swanson's Norma Desmond, the aging silent-screen goddess dressed for excess, waits for her career to rebound. And waits… . Head and the actress conceptualized the clothes together.
A Place in the Sun (1951): Elizabeth Taylor as a society debutante dazzles. So does her strapless white gown, tulle-skirted with velvet violets on the bodice-copied and worn by prom-going teenagers across America.
Roman Holiday (1953): In the role of a modern princess who escapes constraints, Audrey Hepburn motors around the Eternal City with Gregory Peck in casual and carefree clothes that play up her gamine charm.
Rear Window (1954): Working with Alfred Hitchcock, Head dresses Grace Kelly as a fashionable New York socialite in preppy outfits that are the height of propriety-and surprisingly sexy.
To Catch a Thief (1955): Watch for Grace Kelly's blue chiffon gown, white strapless number and gold lamé extravaganza. The beach ensemble, including black capri pants with a white overskirt, would look chic today. Cary Grant enjoys the views-and not just of the Côte d'Azur.
The Birds (1963): Alfred Hitchcock's flocks and Head's frocks. For Tippi Hedren's tailored look, the designer selected wool that could easily be snagged. Both impeccable and peck-able.
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969): Raindrops couldn't keep fallin' on Paul Newman and Robert Redford's heads-as bank robbers, they wore everything from a fedora to a derby to a cowboy hat, all at Edith's behest. Katharine Ross had a tricky time in a long, billowy dress as she perched on the handlebars of a bicycle while Butch pedaled-and peddled his charms.
The Sting (1973): Paul Newman and Robert Redford reunite, this time as small-time con men. Redford's dashing haberdashery brings back the chalk-striped suit. The movie wins best picture, and septuagenarian Edith takes home her eighth Oscar.
