Got an extra $30,000 laying around? How about $100, $25, or $10? The Harry Ransom Center, custodian of film producer David O. Selznick‘s film collection, is looking for donations toward the restoration of Vivien Leigh‘s costumes from the classic bodice-ripper, Gone With the Wind.
Released in 1939 and winner of ten Academy Awards, it was the darling of Selznick’s roster during Hollywood’s “Golden Age”, and is considered the prototype for the modern blockbuster. It also established Leigh as an enduring legend.
Among the 5000 boxes containing Selznick’s film collection reside the following five costumes, which all need custom-made mannequins, as well as the obvious restoration and preservation work. Why don’t you make a donation here, then kick back and enjoy these pictures with a good Southern bourbon?
Naturally the most memorable, Scarlett’s green “drapery” dress, made in haste to snag Rhett Butler, who was in jail at the time.
a blue velvet peignoir that looks like trousseau material to us, so this one is probably Rhett-related as well.
The wedding dress
Green velvet dressing gown. This is probably what she wore when she beat Frank Kennedy.
Burgundy feathered ball gown. Obviously Ashley Wilkes would’ve fared better as a bodice-ripper.
This article appears in August 6 • 2010.