The Costume Designer's Tragic Life

Publish date: 2024-05-23

Irene Lentz: The Costume Designer's Tragic Life

Irene Lentz, Gary Cooper
Left: an undated portrait of Lentz; right: Cooper, with whom Lentz was said to be in love, circa 1935, two years before he received his first Oscar nomination for best actor in Mr. Deeds Goes to Town.
Knickerbocker Hotel
The Knickerbocker Hotel (pictured in 2004), where Lentz leapt to her death in 1962. Located at 1714 Ivar Ave., near the corner of Hollywood and Vine, the hotel is now an apartment building for senior citizens.
‘The Heavenly Body’
Hedy Lamarr was dressed by Lentz for 1944’s The Heavenly Body, in which she played the wife of an astronomer dreaming of finding her true love. “Hedy is so beautiful she doesn’t need to worry about clothes. You could stand her in a gunnysack, and she’d still be gorgeous,” Lentz once said.
‘The Postman Always Rings Twice’
Lana Turner in hot pants in The Postman Always Rings Twice. (The outfit now is owned by gossip columnist Janet Charlton.)
‘Shall We Dance’
In 1937’s Shall We Dance, Ginger Rogers wore a silvery gown with a ruby-colored band. The movie was one of 10 the star did with Fred Astaire.
Sketches
Three of the designer's sketches.
‘Take a Letter, Darling’
In addition to gowns, Lentz was known for her elegantly tailored suits as seen on Rosalind Russell’s advertising exec character in 1942’s Take a Letter, Darling.
Evelyn Tripp
Top model of the day Tripp in an evening gown by Lentz in 1951.
Bullocks Wilshire
Lentz working at Bullocks Wilshire in the 1940s. The luxury department store — which had a top-floor tea room, Chanel room and a “doggery” selling canine accessories — showcased her line in its own dedicated salon. The store, which was located at 3050 Wilshire Blvd. near MacArthur Park, closed in 1993.
‘Seven Sinners’
Marlene Dietrich in a slinky creation as a torch singer in 1940’s Seven Sinners.
‘Lover Come Back’
After a 10-year break from costume design, Lentz returned to movie work dressing her friend Doris Day (with Rock Hudson) in the 1961 romantic comedy Lover Come Back.
Label Relaunches
Greg LaVoi’s redux collection features Lentz’s famous mitered stripe suits, kick-pleated skirts, Hepburn-esque trousers, silk shirts and embellished gowns, with couture touches like hand-sewn buttonholes.