Adrian (costume designer)

Adrian Adolph Greenburg (1903-1959), known professionally as Adrian, was a prominent American costume designer, particularly renowned for his work during Hollywood's Golden Age. He is best remembered for designing the costumes for over 250 films, most notably The Wizard of Oz (1939), where he created Dorothy's iconic ruby slippers, and numerous films starring Greta Garbo, including Camille (1936) and Ninotchka (1939).

Adrian began his career designing costumes for Broadway revues before moving to Hollywood in the late 1920s. He initially worked for Natacha Rambova and then became head costume designer at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) in 1928, a position he held for over a decade. His designs were known for their elegance, sophistication, and ability to enhance the star's personality and physique. He understood the power of silhouette, line, and fabric to create memorable and impactful looks.

Beyond his work with Garbo and The Wizard of Oz, Adrian also designed costumes for films featuring stars such as Katharine Hepburn, Joan Crawford, and Norma Shearer. He often collaborated closely with actresses to develop their on-screen persona through clothing.

In the 1940s, Adrian left MGM to establish his own fashion house, Adrian, Ltd. His designs were noted for their American sportswear aesthetic and often drew inspiration from his Hollywood creations. He continued to design for films occasionally, but his primary focus shifted to ready-to-wear fashion.

Adrian's influence on fashion extended beyond Hollywood. His designs popularized specific silhouettes, such as the padded shoulder and the bias cut, which became fashionable trends. He is recognized as one of the most influential costume designers in film history, shaping the image of Hollywood glamour and impacting broader fashion trends for decades.