Fashion In Film Friday - Star 80

The 1983 film titled 'Star 80', was based on the true story of the rise to fame of Playboy Playmate Dorothy Stratten, portrayed by Mariel Hemingway opposite Eric Roberts as her estranged husband, Paul Snider who took her life in a jealous rampage.  The movie achieved much acclaim and was even on film critic Gene Siskel's top ten list of the best films of 1983.

Dorothy Stratten was a small town girl from Canada, going to high school and  working at a local Dairy Queen when she met a customer, the twenty six year old Paul Snider who was a Vancouver club promoter and pimp.  Snider immediately set his sites on Stratten & coerced her into letting him take nudes pictures of her to submit to Playboy for consideration. 

She was underage at the time so he forged her mothers signature to sign the model release.  After being taking on by Playboy, Hefner suggested to Dorothy that she sever ties with Snider as he could see he was a complete 'hustler'.

Unfortunately Dorothy attempted to and it cost her, her life.  On August 14th, 1980, Paul Snider convinced Stratten to meet with him to 'talk' things out, in the house they once shared together.  Shortly after her arrival, he shot her and then raped her and her death was considered to be one of the most pre-meditated thought out and bizarrely orchestrated murders in history.

The movie 'Star 80', totally embodied the fashion flair for that time frame of the early 80's and the costumes in the film were impeccable.

Dorothy Stratten was the feminine version of the popular trends of that time bringing a vibe of romanticism with her style choices.  Off the shoulder flowing dresses, strapless gowns & lingerie. Stratten was the ultimate 'girly girl' of the 80's who unfortunately was stifled in the prime of her life & career.

Dorothy Stratten born Dorothy Ruth Hoogstraten in a Salvation Army hospital in the 1960's left behind her a 'rags to riches' story that will never be forgotten.  


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Fashion In Film Friday - 'The Seven Year Itch'

Who doesn't remember the classic 1955 film...'The Seven Year Itch' starring Marilyn Monroe & Tom Ewell about a married man who was becoming disinterested with his marriage and entertains the idea of straying outside of it?  'The Seven Year Itch' is a term that has been used by psychologists for decades to define the decline of monogamous relationships after seven years.  The movie was nearly prohibited from being released due to the sensitive nature of the story line that proposed the idea of adultery. Weren't those the good old days when 'less was more'?

This is the flick that made the white halter dress and Marilyn a sensation.  The infamous photograph of her standing on the air vent while her dress was being blown to reveal her undergarments is still one of the most recognizable even fifty years later.  The dress just like Marilyn, is a timeless icon.  The man behind the dress making was a much sought after designer of that time, William Travilla.  It was said that his best work was the white halter dress he put together for Monroe.  The flattering a-line skirt, the deep v-neckline bodice and the lightweight fabric he selected for the ease of movement was simply beautiful.  He chose the color white because it's associated with innocence.  After the filming was over Marilyn was quoted as stating ... "Billy Dear, please dress me forever.  I love you, Marilyn."

This vintage dress was popular fifty years ago and I'm sure it will be just as popular fifty years from now as to this day, women are still in search of the perfect 'Marilyn Monroe style dress' just like the one she wore in 'The Seven Year Itch'... 

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