Portrait Photograph in a Jean Louis "nude" gown.

Original doubleweight John Engstead of Beverly Hills portrait photograph of the iconic singer and actress, shown in one of her striking "nude" gowns by designer Jean Louis.  Light rippling to left and upper edges, crease to upper left corner, overall in fine condition.  8 x 10 inches (20.3 x 25.4 cm.).

When Dietrich started performing her cabaret act in 1953, she commissioned the first in a series of gowns from Jean Louis that would serve as her outfit during the opening act of each performance.  "Built over a precisely engineered undergarment, and constructed of the thinnest, flesh-colored silk souffle and usually covered in strategically placed beading, [these dresses] provided both the illusion of a flawless, ageless figure, and an ephemeral but glitteringly sensual glamour."  ("Dietrich in Vegas," Gods and Foolish Grandeur)

Dietrich had a series of glamour portraits taken by Engstead to promote her appearance at the Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas in 1953. The performances were such a success that she continued to perform cabaret acts throughout the world until the 1970s.

From the collection of Paul McMahon, a critic, photographer and artist who worked for more than 13 years touring with Marlene Dietrich as the icon’s stage manager, announcer, dresser, secretary and escort, and later spent 25 years as an arts and entertainment reviewer and photographer with Gay Community News, Esplanade, Tommy’s Connection, The Mirror, Bay Windows and other publications. (21054)

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Theater

Film

Dance

Unsigned Photo/Portrait

Unsigned Photo

Unsigned Photograph

• Sold