Les Femmes Vintage NYC

Metropolitan Toronto Reference Library, Toronto, 1973-77.

We have very few props and costumes from silent films here at Recycled Movie Costumes, so when we get them, I find them to be very special.

This stunning gown, adorned with sequined “Peacock feathers” was made for Norma Shearer to wear in the film Upstage. She wore it in both promotional images for the film, taken by photographer Ruth Harriet Louise, as well as in the film itself, which you can see here.

Norma is an interesting actress, as she is one of a hand full of talent that made the transition from silent films to talking pictures without too much trouble. She went on to wear some pretty magnificent costumes.

The gown appears to have been used for Gwen Lee, who also appeared in the film Upstage as the character Dixie Mason. However, it does not appear that she wore the dress in the film, and it is likely that the dress simply did double duty for the purpose of promotion.

Costume Credit: David via Normashearer.com

“Whatever it may bring, I will live by my own policies, I will sleep with a clear conscience, I will sleep in peace.”