Welcome!

GlamAmor was founded to celebrate the HISTORY OF FASHION IN FILM and sharing how that legacy of iconic costume design continues to influence fashion today. It became my mission when, after more than 20 years of study, teaching film history, and acting as an expert for everyone from Turner Classic Movies (TCM) and the BBC to Elle and the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM), I found that costume design was still surprisingly under-appreciated by both the classic cinema and fashion communities alike.

Among classic cinema fans, costume designers are often thought of last in a long line of artists involved with a production. The director, actor, writer, and cinematographer are among those who are highly regarded whereas the costume designer is not. Yet movies from the Golden Age of Hollywood are heralded for their style, and few respect how much of these films' original success and ongoing popularity has been the result of their costume design.

Among the fashion community, most are only concerned with what's currently coming down the runways. What they fail to realize is that successful designers know their film history and regularly reference classic cinema in their collections. This is true among fashion designers, but also photographers, magazine editors, hair stylists, and makeup artists alike. You will see examples of the influence of Old Hollywood style in today's fashion again and again on GlamAmor.

One challenge is that 'costume design' tends to be misunderstood. For one, it does not necessarily mean period pieces a la Shakespeare or Gone with the Wind. In fact, from the earliest days of cinema, the style in the movies regularly inspired the trends and led the direction of mainstream fashion. Also, few people understand how many costume designers started and/or ended their careers in couture and as fashion designers. And many renowned fashion designers also crossed over to design for the movies - names like Jean Patou, Hubert de Givenchy, Pierre Balmain, and Yves Saint Laurent. Coco Chanel herself once designed for film in the early days of her career. Therefore, knowing the history of film is to know much of the history of fashion.

Old Hollywood has given me a real education in design and influenced my own style as well. This is particularly true of Edith Head, Helen Rose, and Jean Louis - costume designers who were responsible for some of the most iconic costumes in film. Inspired by a minimalist yet colorful aesthetic, I turned to the vintage stores in Los Angeles to build my own wardrobe. For two decades, I have rarely been in an outfit without some vintage in it - whether it's a coat, dress, handbag, or jewelry.

As you can tell, I take a great interest in style - both past and present - where magazines, books, and film all come together to influence my aesthetic. Several ongoing series have been created to help steer your own study and offer inspiration, including:

The Style Essentials

50+ films from the 1920s to the 1980s representing the most iconic costume design in the movies that continues to influence fashion today.

Cinema Style File

Even more of the best style you need to know from the Golden Age of Hollywood that personally inspires me and many others in fashion.

Cinema Connection

From the runways to the magazines, examples of modern designers and stylists who know their film history and pay homage to classic cinema.

Out & About

Often the most stylish aspect of the movies comes from the architecture and Los Angeles locations, so I take you to places around Southern California whose history reflects my passion for classic cinema and its incredible style.

While many are focused on trend after trend, the goal of GlamAmor is to show that the classics endure and continue to influence today's design. Showing the ongoing connection between fashion and film is my highest mission in life and I enjoy helping to protect its legacy. I have done this for a decade as an Adjunct Professor of the HISTORY OF FASHION IN FILM at Woodbury University, in all of my popular online events and series, as a frequent guest speaker at cultural institutions such as the historic Egyptian Theatre, and with my book Film Noir Style: The Killer 1940s.

I hope GlamAmor becomes a point of inspiration for you - whether you're an academic, professional designer, or just getting ready for the weekend.