Monday, April 13, 2009

"The Best Costume for the Day"


If you've never heard of the documentary Grey Gardens then you are missing out.  It's a creepy yet sympathetic tale of a reclusive mother & daughter who happen to be related to one of the most beloved women ever: Jackie O.  The documentary was made in 1975 by Albert & David Maysles.  "The film depicts the everyday lives of two women who lived at Grey Gardens, a decrepit 28-room mansion at 3 West End Avenue in the wealthy Georgica Pond neighborhood of East Hampton, New York" (Wikipedia).



Little Edie is the real star of the film.  She is a balding woman pushing 60 with the disposition of a teenage girl.  The weird part is that for all of her foibles, Little Edie is STILL regarded as a fashion icon.  Tim Gunn mentions her in his book "A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style."  Todd Oldham can be seen on the extras of the film saying: "I love an alternative point of view... and none was more distinctive than hers."




Constantly donning a turban or head-wrap (sometimes made of a hand towel), she is seriously one of the most creative women I have ever seen.  Screw Scarlet O'Hara making a dress from the drapes.  This woman turns a burgeoning waistline into a blessing by literally wearing her skirts upside-down.  Her colors are impeccable and are still seen in modern runway shows. Even Little Edie’s accessories are always right on, from classic broaches to heels, even Madame Chanel would approve.



HBO is remaking this classic by showing their decent into squalor.  The show stars Drew Barrymore as "Little Edie" and Jessica Lange as "Big Edie."  Jeanne Tripplehorn guest stars as Jackie O.  Catch it on HBO this Saturday, April 18th at 8pm.

Love you, mean it

Emily


No comments:

Post a Comment