Events Calendar

Wednesday, September 22nd. 7:00 PM. In 1933, “Fortune” magazine suggested to the American fashion industry that they could benefit from the showmanship demonstrated by the Hollywood designers in order to compete with the French couturiers. The Hollywood designer “Fortune” most praised was Adrian of M-G-M. It was a logical choice as Adrian’s design for Joan Crawford in the 1932 film “Letty Lynton” dominated the fashion industry for the next two years. Join us for Adrian, American Designer, Hollywood Original by Richard Matukonis-Adkins.

$10 Presentation only  – Members (Pay Below with small Paypal fee)*
$15 Presentation only  – Non Members (Pay Below with small Paypal fee)*
$55 Presentation and electronic book, Member price (Pay Below with small Paypal fee)
$60 Presentation and electronic book, Non-Member price (Pay Below with small Paypal fee)
Purchase e-book or additional e-books separately
*After your purchase you will be emailed the special presentation link by 6pm the day before the presentation and by 12pm on the day of the presentation.

The Windsor Square Hancock Park Historical Society

presents

Adrian, American Designer, Hollywood Original

with author Richard Matukonis-Adkins

Please join us Wednesday, September 22nd. 7:00 PM

Despite offers to go into the retail business as early as 1928, Adrian did not enter the commercial fashion world until 1942, after leaving M-G-M, but taking his fame with him. In 1944 he would win the prestigious Coty Award for fashion design. One of the reasons he did so was his innovative Trompe l’oiel painted imagery on fabric, a tasteful solution to the L-85 fabric restrictions of World War II. So proud of the award was Adrian that he added the line “American Designer” to all his advertisements in the prestigious fashion magazines.

By 1952, he had achieved all his dreams. He was famous, successful, married to a lovely woman, movie star Janet Gaynor, father to a son, Robin, had traveled to Africa, and was working happily in fashion, theatre, and fine art. Unfortunately, a weak heart demanded he give up his fashion business. His “retirement” however, was hardly inactive.

Attendance at a film festival in Brazil in 1952 led the Adrians to build – by hand – a home outside the new capital of Brasilia. They spent half their year in Brazil and half in Los Angeles. Janet made a return to movies in 1957, and Adrian designed his first stage production since 1924, a musical version of his film hit “Grand Hotel”. Dual offers came to Janet and Adrian to continue theatrical work, her to star in “Midnight Sun” with Arthur Hill, and for Adrian to design for the musical which became “Camelot” and for which he was awarded a posthumous Tony Award, shared with Tony Duquette, who completed the production after Adrian suddenly died three months into the assignment.

The nostalgia boom began just a few years after Adrian’s passing, but the surviving pieces of his film work were soon commanding high prices at auctions, with the Judy Garland-worn ruby slippers becoming the most valuable of all movie artifacts. Also, his couturier work began to be presented in museum exhibitions all over the world.
According to their son, Robin, neither Janet nor Adrian dwelt in the past. He would probably be a little surprised at the attention his work still receives, but would nonetheless be pleased about it, I’m sure.

I have studied Adrian and his work for the last two decades, with the result being my book, “Adrian – American Designer, Hollywood Original” and I am pleased to be able to share new information with those familiar with his work and to introduce him to new audiences who know the designer, but not as much about the man.

For those of you who have never been to The Magic Castle, you are in for a treat. The Historical Society will have its long overdue Halloween party at this legendary Los Angeles landmark on Thursday, October 19th starting at 5:00. Doors open at 5:00 for drinks and various activities.  This is a no-host bar. At 6:00 guests will enter the main dining where they will be treated to the Classic Magic Castle 3-Course Prix Fixe Menu, and the option to choose from a variety of delicious dishes. The price for dinner and the shows is $175 per person.

CHOICE OF MAIN COURSE
GRILLED 6oz FILET MIGNON garlic whipped potatoes, grilled jumbo asparagus, and red wine sauce
CITRUS ROSEMARY ROASTED HALF CHICKEN garlic whipped potatoes grilled jumbo asparagus, and citrus beurre blanc
PAN-SEARED SCOTTISH SALMON garlic whipped potatoes grilled jumbo asparagus, and citrus beurre blanc
BUCATINI OGLIO E ALIO WITH FRESH TRUFFLES

Please select your main course and ticket from the drop down menu. (small Paypal processing fee added)

At 8:00 pm there is the Palace Magic Show in the main theater

Guests can stay to enjoy more of the rest of the shows and the castle until closing which is 1:00 AM. Please keep in mind this is a no-host bar and no-host parking. Parking is $25. and carpooling, Uber, and Lift are encouraged.

The Magic Castle is located at 7001 Franklin Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90028 323 851 3313

The Magic Castle is a private magic nightclub of the Academy of Magical Arts (AMA) which hosts nightly performances and it is considered an honor by many magicians to perform there. It is located in Hollywood, California, and opened its doors on January 2, 1963. Only members and their guests are allowed entrance, though courtesy invitations can be obtained by magicians visiting from out of town.  During a typical evening, there are numerous magic shows and historic displays, as well as a full-service dining room and numerous bars. The atmosphere is reminiscent of classic nightclub days, and a dress code of fancy party attire is enforced.