Joan Crawford Film Wardrobe
"Dancing Lady" (1933)
Adrian-designed crème silk satin wedding gown from "Dancing Lady."
This gown sold at auction on June 11th, 2010 for $2,750.00.
Description from auction:
"Joan Crawford Adrian-designed crème silk satin wedding gown from Dancing Lady. (MGM, 1933) This full length crème satin gown was designed by Adrian and worn by the character "Janie Barlow" portrayed by actor Joan Crawford in the 1933 motion picture Dancing Lady starring Clark Gable. The gown is in excellent condition with the original labels; one handwritten "A-109" in the skirt, the other "V-5" near the collar. This is the first time Fred Astaire appears on screen portraying himself and dancing with Joan Crawford."
"Mannequin" (1937)
Adrian-designed dance costume from "Mannequin".
This costume sold at auction on April 11th, 2014 for $3,840.00.
Description from auction:
"A dance costume worn by Joan Crawford in Mannequin (MGM, 1937). The costume comprises a sleeveless bodice with a peplum covered with solid jet-like and gold tone sequins, pleated tulle embellished with sequins to the shoulder, and a pair of sequin-covered dance pants. Costume design by Adrian. The bodice is inscribed "Pat Denise," indicating that the costume may have been used in an additional production. Pat Denise, also known under the Russian pseudonym Alexandra Denisova, was a dancer with a career in Hollywood that began in the 1940s. Accompanied by a black and white studio image of Crawford.
Previously exhibited at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas and at The Sharon Landa Gallery in Hollywood, California, 1971. PROVENANCE "M-G-M Auction After Sale," David Weisz Co., Los Angeles, 1970 From the Collection of Glenn Brown"
"The Women" (1939)
The Adrian-designed gold and silver skirt Joan wore in her final scene in the film.
This skirt was sold at auction on June 22nd, 2006 for $2,880.00. Lot# 235.
Description from auction:
"A dazzling full-length skirt designed by Adrian, the skirt of flesh-colored cotton encrusted all over with rows of gold and silver sequins, with a deep boned corset waistband -- made for Joan Crawford as Crystal Allen in the 1939 M.G.M. film The Women; accompanied by a silver v-shaped waistband encrusted with vari-shaped rhinestones."
Note: According to the auction description, this skirt previously sold to David Weisz at the MGM auction in May 1970. That the shirt was not in the original auction catalogue, but was added to the auction as an extra lot on the day it was auctioned.
"When Ladies Meet" (1941)
This dress sold at auction through Bonhams' on November 25th, 2013 for $3,125.00.
Description from auction:
"A Joan Crawford dress from When Ladies Meet (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, 1941).
Comprising an ankle-length blue cotton gingham dress with cream-colored shoulders, collar and sleeves; a cream-colored cotton apron with blue gingham detail on the pocket, bearing an MGM cleaning tag; and a blue gingham and cream-colored cotton belt. Accompanied by a copy of the film. Provenance: Keystone Entertainment/Tristar Business Affairs.
Note: This dress previously sold at auction through Swann Galleries on January 27th, 1994 for $632.00 (including buyer's premium).
"Mildred Pierce" (1945) Polka Dot Dress
This dress sold at auction through Bonhams' on November 25th, 2013 for $13,000 (not including buyer's premium).
Description from auction: "Warner Bros., 1945. Three-quarter length long-sleeved rayon dress, originally white with polka dots but now overdyed to ecru, featuring square neckline accented with bows on either side, snap and hook-and-eye closures down the back of the dress and at the cuffs. Inscription in black marker on the interior reads: "TBS / 209," and a thin "Warner Bros., Pictures, Inc." label along the back closure inscribed in black ink, "-B- 2nd dress / 18905-638." Lacking original tie belt (brown and cream grosgrain belt supplied). Accompanied by a copy of the film."
"Possessed" (1947)
Adrian-Designed Silk Suit. This suit sold at auction by Bonham's on November 25th, 2013 for $3,800.00 (not including buyer's premium).
Description from auction:
"Warner Bros., 1947. Chocolate brown silk jacket with inset stripes, front pockets and a single gilt metal button, bearing a dark brown Adrian Custom label. Together with a matching chocolate brown silk skirt. Accompanied by a copy of the film. Crawford, playing a schizophrenic woman named Louise Howell, wears this suit during her wedding to Raymond Massey's character Dean Graham. Howell marries Graham though she is still obsessed with her former lover, played by Van Heflin."
Note: This dress previously sold at auction through Swann Galleries on January 27th, 1994 for $747.00 (including buyer's premium).
"Harriet Craig" (1950)
Pink & Grey Checkered Dress. This dress sold at auction through Heritage Auctions on June 18th, 2011 for $4,920.00 (including buyer's premium). Lot #245.
Description from auction:
"Joan Crawford "Harriet Craig” pink and grey dress from Harriet Craig. (Columbia, 1950) Pink and grey checked day dress with three quarter length sleeves and bow at neck. Columbia label handwritten “Joan Crawford” and Columbia cleaning tag. Exhibits a hole in skirt. Worn by Joan Crawford as “Harriet Craig” in the scene where she visits her mother in the nursing home in Harriet Craig."
The dress sold at auction again through Julien's Auctions on September 8th, 2023 for $10,000.00 (not including buyer's premium).
"Torch Song" (1953)
Helen Rose-Designed Costume. This costume sold at auction through Julien's Auctions on April 11th, 2014 for $5,440.00.
Description from auction:
"A costume worn by Joan Crawford while performing "Two-Faced Woman" in black face in Torch Song (MGM, 1953).
The costume comprises a teal sequin-covered leotard with rhinestone and artificial crystal droplets embellishing the left cuff and collar with a multi-layer tulle skirt with sequin embellishment. A bias label in the leotard reads "1631 Joan Crawford." Costume design by Helen Rose. Accompanied by a pair of studio sea foam rhinestone embellished fishnet stockings with an MGM cleaning tag that may or may not be original to the costume and three black and white studio images. Previously exhibited at The Sharon Landa Gallery in Hollywood, California, 1971. PROVENANCE "M-G-M Auction After Sale," David Weisz Co., Los Angeles, 1970 From the Collection of Glenn Brown"
Note: This costume sold again at auction through Julien's Auctions on June 23rd, 2018 for $2,880.00.
"Queen Bee" (1955)
Jean Louis-designed gown. This gown sold at auction through Sotheby's on December 14th, 2002 for $5,377.00 (including buyer's premium). Estimated price: $8,000.00 - $10,000.00
Description from auction:
"A black satin strapless gown worn in the film with a floor length side train lined with fuchsia satin together with a detachable black satin train also lined with fuchsia satin and stiffened with buckram. There is a handwritten Columbia Pictures label inscribed "Joan Crawford." Two stills included."
"The Best of Everything" (1959)
Adele Palmer-Designed Knit Blouse. This blouse sold through Heritage Auctions on December 10th, 2003 for $856.00
Description from auction:
"A grey knit blouse top with lace ruffle trim at the shoulders and neckline, worn by Joan Crawford in her role as Amanda Farrow in the 1959 film The Best of Everything. Created by costume designer Adele Palmer, a sewn-in studio wardrobe label on the inside lining reads, "20th Century Fox, F-09, J. Crawford." In fine condition. This costume is from the prestigious collection of Debbie Reynolds and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity signed by Debbie Reynolds and Darren Julien of Julien Entertainment."
(Note: This item was offered through Julien's Auctions four days prior on December 6, 2023, but the lot was passed.)
"Strait-Jacket" (1964)
Floral-Print Dress. This dress sold at auction by Bonham's on June 14th, 2009 for $5,185.00 (including buyer's premium).
Description from auction:
"A Joan Crawford dress from "Straight Jacket"
Columbia, 1964. Made of gray, black, and white floral-printed silk with a scoop neck, capped sleeves, and a self-belt; a dry cleaning tag reading "Col 7135" is stapled to inside lining; worn throughout film by Crawford as she portrayed the sensitive axe murderer, 'Lucy Harbin,' in this all-out camp fest. Included is a reprinted black and white image of Joan wearing the dress."
"Strait-Jacket" (1964)
Floral-Print Dress. This dress sold at auction on June 14th, 2009 for $5,185.00 (Including buyer's premium)
Description from auction:
"A Joan Crawford dress from "Straight Jacket"Columbia, 1964. Made of gray, black, and white floral-printed silk with a scoop neck, capped sleeves, and a self-belt; a dry cleaning tag reading "Col 7135" is stapled to inside lining; worn throughout film by Crawford as she portrayed the sensitive axe murderer, 'Lucy Harbin,' in this all-out camp fest. Included is a reprinted black and white image of Joan wearing the dress."
"This Woman Is Dangerous" (1952)
"Beth" Dress from This Woman is Dangerous. This dress sold at auction on July 16. 2021 for $6,250 (including buyer's premium of 25%).
Lot #89063.
Description from auction:"Joan Crawford "Beth" Dress from This Woman is Dangerous (Warner Bros., 1952). Vintage original navy-blue polyester dress with pointed Peter Pan collar embellished with red and periwinkle ribbons, faux bib front with self-cover buttons and red and periwinkle ribbon trim, ¾-length cuffed sleeves, integral self-belt, and zipper back closure. Retaining internal Warner Bros. Pictures bias label handwritten, "J. Crawford" in black ink, as well as WB laundry tag. Exhibiting only minor production wear. In vintage Fine condition. COA from Heritage Auctions."
"Mildred Pierce" (1945) Dressmaker's Form
Joan Crawford's dressmaker's form from "Mildred Pierce." This dressmaker's form sold at auction through Heritage Auctions on September 25th, 2019 for $4,375.00 (including buyer's premium).
Description from auction:
"Vintage original wardrobe department dressmaker's form consisting of padded foam filled cloth "skin" with cardboard and metal components over a wooden substructure. Marked with handwritten measurements and notations for the cutter and fitter, and signed across the chest, "Joan Crawford". After 20 years in Hollywood, Crawford finally won a Best Actress Oscar for her career-best performance as the ever-self-sacrificing mother in this seminal film noir. Exhibiting age and production wear, some foam in chest is rigid and deteriorating. In vintage very good condition."
"Hollywood Canteen" (1944)
Adrian-designed dress. (Note: This may or may not be the same dress worn in the film. However, it is posted here for demonstration purposes of how the dress looked.)
Description:
Made of rayon and silk.
The blouse was auctioned again on June 27th, 2026 by Van Eaton Galleries. It was purchased by this Webmaster for $2,125.00 (including buyer's premium of 25%).
"The Women" (1939)
Crystal Allen gold sequined top. This top sold at auction through Butterfield & Butterfield on October 13th, 1997 for $700.00. (Lot #3564)
Description from auction:
"A brassiere-style top adorned with gold sequins that originally attached at the front to a matching skirt worn by Joan Crawford in "The Women." Some alterations have been made to the garment. The lot includes a "Look" magazine dated September 16, 1939, featuring Crawford on the cover wearing this same top as well as three black and white stills of Crawford in this costume from the film." (From the collection of Dore Freeman)
"What Ever Happened To Baby Jane?" (1962)
Blanche's ruffed gown. Auction by Christie's Los Angeles on December 15th, 1996. Estimated price: $2,500-$3,000.Realized price: Unknown.
Description:
“A dress worn by Joan Crawford; the actress portrayed a crippled former movie star at the mercy of crazy sister “Baby Jane Hudson.” The deep pink dress is designed with a cut velvet floral pattern the sleeves and neck embellished with pleated cream trim.” Lot #121
For a period of time, the gown was on display in a film museum in Italy, where the accompanying color photograph was taken.
"What Ever Happened To Baby Jane?" (1962)
Baby Jane Hudson wig worn in the film by Bette Davis. The wig was previously worn by Joan in the 1930 MGM film "Our Blushing Brides." Sold at auction by Heritage Auctions on June 5th , 2018 for $7,680.00 (including buyer's premium).
Description from auction:
"Vintage original iconic signature character wig for "Baby Jane" (Davis). Constructed of custom ventilated blonde human hair on a lace front base. Styled in center part and back ringlets. Retaining the internal Max Factor's maker's bias label and the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer bias label handwritten, "495". Exhibiting some deterioration to internal lace components not affecting the appearance of the wig. In vintage very good condition."
"Mildred Pierce" (1945) Waitress Dress
This uniform was sold at auction on June 18th, 2011 for $22,500.00.
Description from auction:
Warner Bros., 1945. Blue and white checked gingham waitress uniform with ivory collar and cuffs, and simple cloth apron. Bears the internal label "WARNER BROS. PICTURES, INC./ A 18865-638" and "CRAWFORD. J." written in fountain pen on zipper lining. Gingham cleavage insert has been removed. Worn by Joan Crawford as "Mildred" in her first job to support her two girls after her divorce in Mildred Pierce."
Note: This waitress uniform previously sold at auction through Christie's East on June 25th, 1996 (Lot #664); and through Sotheby's on December 14th, 2002 (Lot #43) for $5,676.00 (including buyer's premium).
"Mildred Pierce" (1945) White Apron
"Warner Bros., 1945. White linen apron on a long sash, to tie in the back. Bearing a red-lettered Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc. label inscribed in black ink, "18864# 1 - 638 / 18864 - 638." Also inscribed in black ink, "TBS." Accompanied by a copy of the film.
Crawford wears this apron over her waitress uniform early in the film, while working in the restaurant."
This apron sold at auction on November 25th, 2013 for $1,900 (not including Buyer's premium).
"Mildred Pierce" (1945) Three Piece Suit
This suit sold at auction through Christie's South Kensington on December 17th, 1992. Realized price: Unknown.
Description from the auction:
"A three piece suit of lime green crépe, comprising a tailored jacket with deep skirted peplum and padded shoulders, jabot embroidered with beetlewings, pendant rhinestones and bugle beads and simple straight skirt, labeled Warner Bros. Pictures Inc. inscribed 77-638 by Milo Anderson for the 1945 Warner film "Mildred Pierce."
"Mildred Pierce" (1945) Blue Black Suit
This suit sold at auction through This suit sold at auction through Christie's South Kensington on December 17th, 1992. Realized price: Unknown.
Description from the auction:
A suit of black blue twill, comprising tailored jacket with ruched shoulders and darted detail on sleeves, with deep peplum and simple strait skirt, labeled Warner Bros. Pictures Inc. inscribed 18991-638 by Milo Anderson for the 1945 Warner film "Mildred Pierce."
"The Damned Don't Cry" (1950)
Two-piece bathing suit. This bathing suit sold at auction through Christie's South Kensington on December 17th, 1992. Realized price: Unknown.
Description from auction:
"A two piece bathing suit of printed cotton, labeled Desmond of Palm Springs and Georgia Kay of California and Warner Bros. Pictures Inc. inscribed "J Crawford Double 4099-730," used in the 1950 Warner film "The Damned Don't Cry."
"The Damned Don't Cry" (1950)
Ethel Whitehead's house robe. This house roabe sold at auction through Heritage Auctions on September 29th, 2015 for $1,280 (including buyer's premium).
Description from auction:
"Joan Crawford "Ethel Whitehead" robe from The Damned Don't Cry. (Warner Bros., 1950) Constructed of bright crimson finely ribbed silk with shiny dot pattern. With snap front closure and stitched closed at the bottom hem. With accompanying matching fabric sash belt. This robe was altered heavily after production with lapel removed and long sleeves reduced to ¾-sleeves. Fabric patterns screen matched. With fraying to shoulders. In vintage very good condition."
"Humoresque" (1946)
Helen Wright dress
Description:
"Two piece dress, beige silk crepe bodice with peplum, short wide sleeves, self fabric belt loops, self fabric belt ornamented with silver beads, silver leaves, pearls and rhinestones; matching fabric floor length skirt with slit at front. (Warner Brothers label inscribed: "-B- 739-658")."
(From The Collection of Motion Picture Costume Design)
This dress previously sold at auction through Christie's South Kensington on December 17, 1992. Realized price: Unknown.
The 1992 auction catalogue describes the dress as follows:
"An evening ensemble of pink crépe de chine, the top with tulip peplum, the straight skirt slit to the knee, with elaborately beaded belt, labeled Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., inscribed 739-658 A&B, made by Adrian for the 1946 Warner film "Humoresque."
Note: The 1992 auction catalogue describes the dress as pink.
"Mildred Pierce" (1945)
Two-piece dress suit.
Description:
Worn by Crawford in the infamous "slap scene" in "Mildred Pierce."
"Mildred Pierce" (1945)
Veda's dress
Description:
Dress worn by Ann Blyth in "Mildred Pierce."
An identical suit (except the color) that is purported to be this suit is listed on The Collection of Motion Picture Costume Design website with the following description:
"Two-piece dark plum suit, [C117-1/2] jacket has a complex pattern of inset panels at front of bodice and sleeves, shirt collar style collar, hook and eye front closure, seven self-covered weights at hem; [C117-2/2] matching skirt, inset panels at top of waist, left side zipper closure, back slit at weighted hem. Worn at wedding reception."
"Possessed" (1947)
Louise Howell suit
Description
Grey two-piece wool suit consisting of a [C148-1/2] long-sleeve jacket, pieced tab detailing at neckline attached with two round brass buttons, same detailing at two lower pockets (Adrian original label); [C148-2/2] matching straight skirt with zipper at back. (From The Collection of Motion Picture Costume Design)
"Mannequin" (1937)
Jessie's dance leotard
Description:
Dance leotard with matching gloves consisting of black silk velvet strapless leotard ornamented at front with white beads, sequins, rhinestones and metallic thread in a floral motif; pair of black suede and velvet gloves with extremely large gauntlets embroidered to match. [JOAN CRAWFORD] is hand inscribed in garment. The garment came from the estate of Dory Freeman who was a close personal friend of Ms. Crawford for many years. Note: also second leotard and set of gloves worn by dancer purchased at Christies.
(From The Collection of Motion Picture Costume Design)
This dance leotard was sold at auction through Heritage Auctions on November 4th, 2021 for $2,500.00 (including buyer's premium).
Description from auction:
"Vintage original (3)-piece costume consisting of (1) black velvet strapless jacket with bodice and peplum skirt featuring hand embroidered crescent patterns of chain, square and bugle beads, sequins and mirror discs from bust to hip. Lined in black satin and mesh and with v-back zipper closure, (1) short, pleated satin skirt with integral lace ruffle under the hem, black satin ribbon waist with zipper back closure and (1) pair of black suede and velvet bell gauntlet gloves, lined in crème satin. Costume designed by Gilbert Adrian. Joan Crawford wore a similar dancing girl costume in publicity images for Mannequin. Was also used in subsequent productions including Summer Stock (1950) in the "It's All For You" production number, attributed to The Hardy's Ride High, Two Girls on Broadway, Washington Melodrama, and others. Exhibiting age, minor staining, fraying to the peplum hem and skirt hem and some splitting to interior linings. Minor rubbing to velvet areas. In vintage Good condition. Comes with a COA from Heritage Auctions."
"Mannequin" (1937)
Grey wool dress. This dress sold at auction through Butterfield & Butterfield on October 13th, 1997 for $400.00 (Lot #3565)
Description from auction:
"A grey wool dress with a turquoise silk scarf sewn into the collar. Worn by Joan Crawford in "Mannequin." The dress is calf-length with long sleeves and a studio tag with a handwritten "Joan Crawford" label appears on the inside waistband. Also included is a photograph of Crawford." (From the collection of Dore Freeman)
"Humoresque" (1946)
Helen Wright dress. This dress sold at auction through Butterfield & Butterfield on October 13th, 1997 for $1,700.00. (Lot #3566)
Description from auction:
"A two-piece mauve dress adorned with sequins worn by Joan in "Humoresque." A typical 1940s-style feminine suit, the top is a short-sleeved blouse with a fitted trained waist and the bottom is a straight, calf-length skirt." (From the collection of Dore Freeman)
"Johnny Guitar" (1954)
Vienna's belts. These belts sold at auction through Butterfield & Butterfield on October 13th, 1997 for $350.00 (Lot #3597)
Description from auction:
"Two leather cowboy belts worn by Joan Crawford in the over-the-top western “Johnny Guitar.” One is in the traditional cowboy style with detailed leatherwork and a brass buckle decorated with a boot and hat motif. The other is a holster with a row of bullet loops. Republic 1953. Approximately 42 inches."
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"Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte" (1964)
Gold Necklace and matching earrings. This gold jewelry suite sold at auction through Julien's Auctions on November 27th, 2017 for $2,560.00.
Description from auction:
"A gold tone necklace and matching clip-on earrings, the necklace worn by Joan Crawford on the set of Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte (Associates & Aldrich Company, 1964) which starred Crawford and Bette Davis. Crawford donated the set, made by Continental, to a benefit auction in 1973. Accompanied by a letter signed by Crawford with original transmittal envelope and a calling card also signed by Crawford. The auction benefited a public radio station in Pennsylvania. An online link to an image of Crawford wearing the necklace is available upon request."
Webmaster's Note: Joan was to wear many jewelry pieces from her own collection. It's more probable than not this jewelry suite was Joan's own property, and not a suite selected only to be worn in this film.
