Irene, 1901-1962 (1900 - 1962)

Dates

• Existence: 1900 - 1962

Biography

Born in 1900, Irene moved from Baker, Montana to Los Angeles at the age of 20 to become an actress. Soon after she opened a small boutique on the USC campus. After her first husband's death, she traveled Europe to pursue fashion more seriously. Once she returned to Los Angeles, she opened another boutique at 9000 Sunset Blvd. She gained a following of Hollywood elite which ultimately lead her to begin designing costumes for films. She designed costumes for United Artists and Columbia Pictures in the 1930s while simultaneously running a boutique in the famed Bullocks Wilshire department store. In 1941, MGM hired her to replace Adrian. Irene stayed at MGM until the late 1940s when she wanted to return to her own business. She once again began designing clothes for the public. Her life ended in tragically; Irene commited suicide in 1962. She was 61 years old. Irene was nominated for two Academy Awards for Best Costume Design (B.F.'s Daughter in 1949 and Midnight Lace in 1961).

Found in 1 Collection or Record: