Rhiannon Hendricks
The 1953 film 'How to Marry a Millionaire' features a wedding dress worn by Lauren Bacall that has become one of the better-known wedding gowns in cinema. The dress, designed by Travilla, is an off-the-shoulder, floor-length, mermaid-style gown crafted from embroidered ecru lace with a floral pattern and iridescent sequins. It has three-quarter-length sleeves and a lace trim along the top, and is lined with heavy satin. The dress was later modified, with the sleeves and front ruffle removed and straps added, and it sold at Debbie Reynold's auction in 2011 for $8000.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Embroidered ecru lace with a floral pattern, iridescent sequins, and heavy satin lining |
| Silhouette | Mermaid style |
| Neckline | Off-the-shoulder |
| Sleeves | Three-quarter length |
| Trim | Lace along the top |
| Accessories | A hat crafted from white sinamay with piping swirled on the crown and hanging down the back, a small pearl necklace, and a bracelet |
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What You'll Learn
Lauren Bacall's wedding dress in the film
In the 1953 romantic comedy film "How to Marry a Millionaire", Lauren Bacall plays one of three fashionable Manhattan models who move into a posh New York apartment in the hopes of meeting and marrying millionaires. Bacall's character, Shatze, is the ringleader of the group.
In the film, Bacall wears a variety of 1950s outfits, including a blue suit with black pumps and a pearl necklace, a summer outfit consisting of a floral dress with a sheer top and a full skirt, and a blue slacks and white sweater combination.
For her wedding dress, Bacall wears a white lace mermaid-style gown with an off-the-shoulder neckline and sleeves. The dress has a trumpet silhouette, a style that is fitted through the bodice and flares out at the knee to create a "mermaid-like" shape. This vintage bridal gown has inspired modern wedding dress designs.
In the film, Schatze is unable to go through with her marriage to a wealthy older man and confesses her love for Tom, a man she believes is a gas station attendant. Tom is revealed to be extremely wealthy, and the two reconcile and marry.
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The exquisite, off-the-shoulder gown
The attention to detail in this gown is remarkable. The sleeves and trim add a romantic touch, while the off-the-shoulder neckline showcases the elegance of the piece. The dress is paired with a hat crafted from white sinamay, with piping swirled on the crown and hanging down the back, adding a unique and modern twist to the bridal look. The dress was later modified with the sleeves and ruffle across the front removed and straps added, showing the versatility and timelessness of the design.
This iconic wedding dress is a testament to the fashion of the era and has become one of the better-known wedding gowns in cinema. The dress was designed by Travilla and sold at Debbie Reynold's auction in 2011 for $8000, a testament to its enduring value and popularity. Bacall's character, Shatze, is a style icon throughout the film, with her wardrobe including a stunning red suit with a matching 1950s-style shell hat and a fur draped over her shoulders.
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Ecru lace, iridescent sequins, and heavy satin
The wedding dress from the 1953 film *How to Marry a Millionaire*, worn by Lauren Bacall, is an exquisite and well-known example of a gown featuring ecru lace, iridescent sequins, and heavy satin. This off-the-shoulder, mermaid-style dress was crafted from embroidered ecru lace in a floral pattern, adorned with iridescent sequins, and lined with heavy satin. The dress was fitted just below the hip, with a semi-circle piece added to create a floor-length, flowing silhouette. The three-quarter-length sleeves and lace trim along the top completed the elegant look.
Ecru lace is a type of lace with an off-white or beige hue, providing a subtle warmth to the fabric. When paired with iridescent sequins, the ecru lace takes on a multidimensional appearance, reflecting light in a range of colours. The iridescent sequins add a shimmering effect, creating a luxurious and eye-catching detail. Heavy satin is a luxurious fabric with a high thread count, resulting in a smooth, lustrous surface that catches the light elegantly.
Combining these three elements—ecru lace, iridescent sequins, and heavy satin—results in a wedding dress that is both timeless and captivating. The ecru lace provides a soft and romantic foundation, while the iridescent sequins add sparkle and dimension. The heavy satin lining not only adds structure and fluidity to the gown but also contributes to the overall glamour of the dress.
When designing a wedding dress incorporating these elements, one could take inspiration from the *How to Marry a Millionaire* gown. Consider an off-the-shoulder silhouette, emphasising the delicate beauty of the ecru lace and the sparkle of the iridescent sequins. The heavy satin can be used as a lining or as a contrast fabric for added drama. To complete the look, three-quarter-length sleeves and a semi-circle piece at the hem, as seen in the movie, will create a vintage-inspired, elegant silhouette.
For a modern interpretation, one could explore different silhouettes, such as a chic midi or a playful mini, while still incorporating the key elements of ecru lace, iridescent sequins, and heavy satin. Accessories can also be chosen to enhance the overall effect, with options such as statement earrings, a delicate veil, or a beaded clutch. When it comes to shoes, sleek satin heels can provide a classic complement to the dress, or embellished shoes can add an extra touch of glamour.
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$138.99
The hat: white sinamay with piping
The hat in the wedding dress scene in *How to Marry a Millionaire* is crafted from white sinamay. Sinamay is a traditional Filipino fabric made from the fibres of the abacá tree and is known for its durability and flexibility. The hat features piping swirled on the crown and hanging down the back. This style of hat is often referred to as a "swirl hat" or a "swirl and twist hat".
The sinamay hat complements the dress, which is made from embroidered ecru lace in a floral pattern with iridescent sequins and a heavy satin lining. The dress, designed by Travilla and worn by Lauren Bacall in the 1953 film, is in the mermaid style with an off-the-shoulder neckline and three-quarter-length sleeves.
White sinamay hats are a classic choice for bridal wear and have been popular since the 1950s. They are often chosen for their ability to complement a variety of dress styles and their association with elegance and sophistication. Sinamay is also a versatile fabric that can be moulded and shaped in a variety of ways, making it a popular choice for hat-makers and milliners.
When styling a white sinamay hat, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. The hat should be angled or positioned in a way that flatters the face and complements the overall silhouette. The addition of piping, as seen in the *How to Marry a Millionaire* hat, can add interest and movement to the design.
Overall, the white sinamay hat with piping from *How to Marry a Millionaire* is a timeless and elegant choice for a wedding ensemble, reflecting the sophistication and glamour of the 1950s era in which the film is set.
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The accessories: pearl necklace and bracelet
The accessories for the wedding dress worn by Lauren Bacall in the 1953 movie "How to Marry a Millionaire" included a small pearl necklace and a bracelet. The simplicity of the accessories perfectly complemented the exquisite gown, ensuring that the overall look remained elegant and sophisticated.
The pearl necklace added a touch of refinement to the ensemble, with its subtle iridescence echoing the shimmering sequins of the dress. Its delicate design likely featured a single strand of small, lustrous pearls, falling just below the collarbone, so as not to detract from the intricate lace trim of the gown's neckline.
The bracelet, also crafted from pearls, introduced a sense of symmetry to the outfit, balancing the visual impact of the necklace. It is assumed that the bracelet was similarly understated, perhaps featuring a single strand of pearls or a dainty design that adorned the bride's wrist gracefully.
Together, the pearl necklace and bracelet provided a subtle yet undeniable touch of luxury to the wedding attire. Their classic elegance enhanced the timeless beauty of the gown, creating a bridal look that has endured in memory and popularity since its appearance on the silver screen.
These accessories exemplified the attention to detail in the overall styling of the wedding dress, contributing to its iconic status in cinematic and fashion history. Their choice reflected a refined taste, showcasing how carefully selected accessories can elevate a bridal ensemble to extraordinary heights.
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Frequently asked questions
Lauren Bacall wore a wedding dress in the 1953 movie 'How to Marry a Millionaire'.
The dress was an off-the-shoulder, mermaid-style gown with three-quarter length sleeves and a semi-circle piece of fabric added to make it floor-length.
The dress was designed by Travilla.
The dress was crafted from embroidered ecru lace in a floral pattern with iridescent sequins and a heavy satin lining.
No, instead of a veil, the dress was paired with a hat crafted from white sinamay with piping swirled on the crown and hanging down the back.
