Southern California residents who appreciate a good story, and maybe a well-tailored garment, have a new free exhibition to visit this fall in Downtown Los Angeles. The ASU FIDM Museum is opening "Adrian: Designing Hollywood, Dressing America" on August 28, offering a close look at the work of Gilbert Adrian, whose designs shaped the look of Golden Age Hollywood and beyond. The exhibition runs through December 12.
Adrian’s name might not be immediately familiar to everyone, but his work certainly is. As the chief costume designer at MGM during the 1930s, he crafted looks for more than 200 productions. He’s the reason those ruby slippers in The Wizard of Oz are so iconic, and he’s credited with helping turn Joan Crawford into a fashion powerhouse—including the shoulder pads that defined her image. Jean Harlow also owes many of her slinkiest silk gowns on celluloid to Adrian's eye. During this era, "Gowns by Adrian" became its own kind of studio branding, promising unparalleled glamour on screen.
What sets this particular exhibition apart is its broader scope, moving past Adrian's role in costume design to explore how his aesthetic informed high fashion and the ideal of glamour for American women. After his tenure at MGM, Adrian opened his own couture salon on Wilshire Boulevard in 1942, eventually expanding his influence through clothing sold by major retailers across the country. His signature razor-sharp tailoring, dramatic silhouettes, and knack for making any woman look like "the most important person in the room" helped translate Hollywood fantasy into styles available for everyday wear.
The ASU FIDM Museum’s exhibition brings together more than 50 rare ensembles and accessories. These pieces come from the museum's own extensive collection, supplemented by loans from private collectors, providing a comprehensive view of his career. It’s also a notable year for Adrian's legacy, as his renowned dress for Joan Crawford in Letty Lynton, which achieved greater fame than the film itself, has recently become available to view again after decades of legal complexities. Now, fans have another opportunity to see his work up close in this downtown L.A. exhibit.
"Adrian: Designing Hollywood, Dressing America" is located at 919 S. Grand Ave. and is open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10am to 5pm. Admission is free, making it an accessible way to step into a significant piece of Southern California’s fashion and film history.