The costume designer often begins with a sketch of an idea. "To sketch an idea is the surest way to capture it, the clearest way to explain it. " Patricia L. Rowe
 |
| Irene's sketch of the suit worn by Joan Crawford in "They All Kissed the Bride" (Columbia, 1942). |
Irene Lentz-Gibbons, known simply as Irene, developed a style of boldly signed fashion sketches that became her trademark. She was a successful designer of not only costumes for film but of the personal wardrobes of Hollywood's most noted stars.
 |
| Joan Crawford in the suit by Irene. |
Sketches were also commonly utilized within the pages of fashion magazines such as Vogue.
 |
| This 1943 illustration from Vogue London highlights fashion collections designed under wartime regulations. On the left, a tailored suit in oatmeal tweed by Bery. On the right, a grey tweed coat from Brenner Sports. |
Credits:
In a Glamorous Fashion, The Fabulous Years of Hollywood Costume Design by W. Robert Lavine.
Shorthand Fashion Sketching by Patricia L Rowe. Fairchild Publications, New York.
Fashion Illustrated, A Review of Women's Dress 1920 - 1950 by Deborah Torrens.
