Episode 1. Diana Ross the Designer in "Mahogany" (1975)

In our very first episode of Wardrobe! we're taking a closer look at the 1975 cult classic, "Mahogany," starring Diana Ross as Tracy Chambers, an aspiring fashion designer, Billy Dee Williams, as Brian Walker, an up-and-coming Chicago politician, and Tony Perkins as high fashion photographer Sean McAvoy.

For Miss Ross, "Mahogany" presented an opportunity to establish herself as not just the superstar singer, and acclaimed actress, but also a DESIGNER.

For the 40th anniversary of the movie, Paramount released a DVD called the "Couture Edition" where they included a pack of photo cards that paired the design sketches to the actual ensembles in the film.

Images from Paramount Pictures

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences Archive has more sketches from the "Mahogany" production. In her memoir, "Secrets of a Sparrow" Diana Ross mentioned that she hired sketch artists. The images from the academy's archive are credited to Julio Martinez. He donated them to the Academy in 2023. You can see the sketches on academycollection.org.

Screenshot from AcademyCollection.org

Kabuki Theater Costumes

While learning about Kabuki, I found this book "Kabuki Costumes (Japanese Textiles)" by Ken Kirihata (1994). I scanned a few examples of Kabuki costumes to show the elaborate designs.

Erté Design Illustrations

Erté illustrated women's wear, accessories, shoes, luggage, and more during his time at Harper's Bazaar. Some of his work was curated and published in "Erté's Fashion Designs" (below). You can clearly see references to the silhouettes in the "Mahogany" wardrobe.