Jean Louis (1907–1997) was a legendary French-born American costume designer who became one of the most influential figures in Hollywood during the Golden Age. Born Jean Louis Berthault in Paris, he moved to the United States and eventually became head designer at Columbia Pictures.
Renowned for his exquisite craftsmanship and elegant sense of style, Louis created some of the most iconic gowns in film history, including the famous strapless black satin dress worn by Rita Hayworth in Gilda (1946) and the dazzling wardrobe for Marlene Dietrich’s stage performances.
Jean Louis won an Academy Award for Best Costume Design for The Solid Gold Cadillac (1956) and received 13 Oscar nominations throughout his career. His timeless, sophisticated designs helped define the glamour of mid-20th century Hollywood.
These elegant vintage photos capture the timeless sophistication, impeccable craftsmanship, and enduring glamour of Jean Louis, one of the most influential and celebrated costume designers of Hollywood’s Golden Age.
Marilyn Monroe wore this Jean Louis gown in Columbia’s low budget film “Ladies of the Chorus”, it had a heavily embellished bodice and sheer cutout center over a skirt of flowing chiffon, April 1948
Rita Hayworth in gown by Jean Louis for the film “The Lady from Shanghai”, photo by Robert Coburn, 1947
Marlene Dietrich wearing beaded gown by Jean Louis, photo by John Engstead, 1955
Marilyn Monroe in black crepe cocktail dress with irregular neckline threaded with jersey band by Jean Louis for the film “The Misfits”, 1961
Dorothea McGowan in sinuous, spiralling, plum chiffon gown over silk crêpe, floated free at the back, by Jean Louis, Pagoda earrings, gloves by Aris, coiffure by Kenneth Batelle, photo by Bert Stern, Vogue, November 1, 1962
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