Two irresistible and original characters, Nick and Nora Charles, played by lifelong friends William Powell and Myrna Loy, who have a fantastic chemistry together, wonderfully witty dialogue, a concoction of screwball comedy and mystery, a sophisticated setting, the cutest dog, Asta, and … the fashion, of course. The Thin Man
Myrna’s wardrobe is fabulous in my opinion and I am surprised that it has been so overlooked over time, just as the work of the designer responsible for it, Dolly Tree: England’s leading stage designer during the ’20s, the first woman to design for the Folies Bergere and one of Hollywood’s major screen designers. And she was one of the first designers to promote the strapless evening gown. How impossibly simple and impactful is that millinery piece? As opposed to the dramatic fur collar and cuffs of the coat.
This is my favourite dress in the film. I would love to see a spring 2012 evening gown inspired by it. Cascading ruffles and layers of stripes (what colours I wonder?). The under layer’s stripes go in the opposite direction creating a checked look and a beautiful visual impact, especially if you watch how it moves in the movie.
This is such an extravagant in a playful way ensemble. Note the pierrot neckline and the highly elaborated sleeves. The ’30s were so luxurious!
This is one of the many funny moments of the film, on Christmas morning.
Nick: “Aren’t you hot in that?”
Nora: “Yes, I’m stifling. But it’s so pretty.”
Nick: “Is that another Christmas present?”
Nora: “Yes.”
Nick: “Did I give it to you?”
Nora: “Yes.”
Doesn’t she look great in the sharply tailored suit? Love the use of plaid, and again, the little statement hat adorned with feathers, nodding to the English countryside tradition.
The first time I saw The Thin Man I was fascinated by this clothing engineering. That stream pleated part always takes me by surprise.
A halter neck little black dress. It just couldn’t miss from a talk about style.
images: stills from “The Thin Man”, captured by me; kindly link back to classiq if you use any of thees images / production credits
That dialogue made me smile ear to ear! And she sounded totally adorable. I love her hats very much, but I feel you’d have to act and move like a lady in order to keep them in place…
I’m usually running like a headless chicken, so if I were a hat like her, I’d most likely had to glue it to my head. Oh, I wish I was more like a lady…. I mean, walk in tiny steps and wear hats…. 
Hope you are having a wonderful day, sweetie!
I never saw this movie! With such a great review from you this is defiitely going on the much watch list. And that dress is absolutely gorgeous. Can’t wait to see the film and th rest of her wardrobe
xoxo
I yet to see this movie, but I’m totally inspired to check it out now. Perfect movie for fall/winter months to curl up on the couch with some hot cider. The fashion is amazing, looking forward to seeing it. x
Wow, so glamurous! in fact the outfit is stunning. i also fall in love with that stripes dress, it is so fresh and actual… You put the eye on the customes of old films, I especially do on the decoration of old films instead. I have never watched the film, I didn’t know it, so thanks for sharing it.
That is such an amazing dress. I miss the style…
She’s gorgeous. I just love looking at old movie stills. Such a different time.
xo
Ada, I’ve always loved Myrna Loy and her wardrobe! p.s. I have a 30s inspired short black silk halter dress in my line {just not photographed yet}.
xo Mary Jo
@ mary jo
I’m sure your 30s inspired LBD is gorgeous, Mary Jo. I would love to see it.
Fabulous post, reminds me to watch that film again. I saw it many many many years ago. That Christmas present thing cracked me up 😉
Oh, just brilliant, Ada! Classic, gorgeous, stylish, witty, elegant. Beautiful review and photos! xo – g
Ada, this is fabulous… sigh! I love the dress sense, the flounces, the pierot details, the black and white, the stripes and the tiered assymmetrical gown – and the hats, most of all the hats! Just great. I love old hollywood for exactly what you mentioned, when I see a title attributed to a ‘head designer’ then I know its a good movie together with witty dialogue, very tongue-in-cheek and elegant manners – its a hit for me! I love the whole look- the louche, relaxed dressing with the clever, funny lines in an elegant, sexy setting. It never dates in my eyes!
Keep up the great posts I love reading them!
PS: have you seen ‘It Happened One Night’ with Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert? One of the very earliest black and white movies I saw when I was younger and I always remember it. And also you must have seen already, ‘To Have and Have Not’ with Bogie and Bacall (a favourite!)
Have a good day!
Helen
@Helen
Yes, Helen, I’ve seen both ‘It Happened One Night’ and ‘To Have And Have Not’. Both great movies. In fact for yesterday’s post I was thinking of writing about Lauren Bacall’s wardrobe in ‘To Have and Have Not’, but I found ‘The Thin Man’ first in our dvd collection. There are so many others I want to write about.
I agree with you about that dress, its beautiful!!! ^-^
xoxo
Antonia
FASHION IMPERATIVE
I think I have told you this before, but I just love these posts of yours Ada! This is definitely another movie to add to my ever-growing list! I love that over-the-top coat in the first pic with the beautiful oversized fur cuffs and collar! So glamorous!
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