Jan. 4, 2024

Episode 166 - Sewn in Stardust: Irene Lentz's Impact on Hollywood Fashion

Jennie and Dianne uncover the remarkable legacy of Irene Lentz – a trailblazing fashion designer turned Hollywood costume innovator during the 1930s and 40s. Delve into the Ord nary Extraordinary story of how she not only took the reins as MGM's chief designer in 1942 but also managed an exclusive fashion line for over 20 department stores – a true pioneer working both in Tinseltown and for herself simultaneously. Yet, beneath the glitz and glamour, Irene's life was marked by tragedies, lost loves, and personal struggles that led her down a path of alcohol use, ultimately culminating in a tragic end. In this episode, Dianne and Jennie unravel the layers of Irene's life, shedding light on a remarkable woman often overshadowed by her contemporaries in history.

Show Notes
Chapters

Images:
Columbarium Niche at
Forest Lawn Memorial Park
photo: Scott G 11/06/2000
www.findagrave.com

Irene Lentz
www.womenoutwest.blogspot.com

Resources used to research this episode include:
"Irene Lentz – pioneer of an American luxury fashion brand ." https://www.aenigma-images.com/. 1 Mar. 2019. www.aenigma-images.com/2020/03/irene-lentz-pioneer-of-an-american-luxury-fashion-brand/. Accessed 31 Dec. 2023.

Bramlett, Lizzie. "Currently Reading – Irene: A Designer from the Golden Age of Hollywood; The MGM Years 1942 – 1949." https://thevintagetraveler.wordpress.com. 14 Sep. 2014. thevintagetraveler.wordpress.com/2014/09/11/currently-reading-irene-a-designer-from-the-golden-age-of-hollywood-the-mgm-years-1942-1949/. Accessed 31 Dec. 2023.

Sonstegard, Dr. Viki. "Irene Lentz: Fashion and Style Icon during Hollywood's Golden Age ." https://womenoutwest.blogspot.com. 6 Dec. 2016. womenoutwest.blogspot.com/2016/12/irene-lentz-fashion-and-style-icon.html?m=1. Accessed 31 Dec. 2023.

"Former Montana Girl is Success." https://www.newspapers.com/. 3 Jan. 1923. www.newspapers.com/image/956878488/?terms=%22Irene%20Lentz%22&match=1. Accessed 31 Dec. 2023.

Williams , Lisa. "Irene – Californian Elegance Irene Lentz-Gibbons (1900-1962) American ." https://blog.seamwork.com/. blog.seamwork.com/inspiration/irene-californian-elegance/. Accessed 31 Dec. 2023.

"Irene (1901–1962) ." https://www.encyclopedia.com. www.encyclopedia.com/women/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/irene-1901-1962. Accessed 31 Dec. 2023.