Coat worn by Rosalind Russell in Auntie Mame: Museum Object and Cultural History
Coat worn by Rosalind Russell in Auntie Mame: Date made: 1958. wearer: Russell, Rosalind. Object Name: coat.
The object in the museum catalogue
Rosalind Russell wore this floor length orange beaded coat as the title character in the 1958 Warner Bros. musical film Auntie Mame. Russell originated the role on Broadway before starring in the film adaptation, which went on to win multiple Oscar nominations in 1959.
Directed by Morton DeCosta, Auntie Mame starred Rosalind Russell as Mame Dennis, and Jan Handzlik as young Patrick Dennis. Mame is a New York socialite who regularly throws lavish parties in her townhome until her recently orphaned nephew is placed in her care. The film follows the bond that develops between Mame and Patrick into adulthood as they navigate bankruptcy, marriage, deaths, and a banker set on controlling Patrick’s life choices, played by Fred Clark.
Orry-Kelly designed this coat for Russell’s first scene in the movie. It is made of a bright orange crepe fabric and intricately decorated with orange sequins, as well as black and gold beading along the collar, sleeves, and placket of the coat. The design not only embodies the style and flamboyant nature of the title character, but also reflects the vibrant and opulent fashion trends of the late 1920s.
Materials, dates and provenance
- Date made: 1958
- wearer: Russell, Rosalind
- Object Name: coat
- Physical Description: fabric, creped (overall material)
- Measurements: overall: 59 1/2 in x 22 in x 1/4 in; 151.13 cm x 55.88 cm x .635 cm
- Subject: Musical Theater
- Subject: Motion Pictures
- general subject association: Television
- ID Number: 1979.0481.01
- accession number: 1979.0481
- catalog number: 1979.0481.01
- Credit Line: Gift in memory of Rosalind Russell from Frederick Brisson
- Data Source: National Museum of American History
Sources and reuse
Catalogue descriptions and facts adapted from National Museum of American History through the Smithsonian's official Open Access dataset. This record explicitly marks its metadata CC0 1.0; formatting and selection have been changed.
Sources
More in Movies
Keep reading
