FILM FASHIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20172, 5 February 1929, Page 5

FILM FASHIONS.

The dresses worn by Britiiih film actresses have often been criticised by cinema-goers. Mr. Graham Cutts, an English director of films, is determined that this reproach shall not be levelled against his cast.

He has engaged as dress-designer Miss Gordon Conway, who has designed frocks for many stage productions in London and New York.

One great problem confronting the film fashion expert is the delay between the making of a picture and its public show- * ing " "Dresses mustn't date," says Miss Conway. "The only way to prevent that is to design each to fit the individual personality of its wearer. "When I have a picture to costume I. first read the script and then design clothes that will help to portray the characters, not to suit the whims and - fancies of the star. Lighting and colour ; values are given due consideration, and I always consult the art director. I must know what the backgrounds are if my dresses will blend. One never ceases learning; every day I have to correct mvself.

"I hope to see every studio with its own designer and dressmaking staff,- as they hare at Hollywood. I will say this: That when I have designed a frock and -■ want it made, as soon as I mention that it is for film purposes, every dressmaker ' at once puts up the price to two or three times its real value. It would studios to make their own dresses and keep a stock and alter and use again."