Mae West: 80th Anniversary

Exactly eighty years ago MAE WEST stepped into a glorious phase of her career on this date. Perhaps that is called a diamond anniversary — — and a gem it was.
• • "Diamond Lil" debuted at the Royale Theatre [242 West 45th Street, NYC] on 9 April 1928. It was a box office success as well as a favorite with drama critics.
• • Though Mae had worn contemporary styles as Margy LaMont in "Sex," she situated her 1928 script in New York City during the Gay Nineties. Even after the show's run, Diamond Lil became the actress's enduring persona.
• • Engaging gowns designed by the British costumer Dolly Tree balanced Mae West's scarlet sisterhood style with a glamorous touch that made her more appealing to a middle-class audience.
• • Floor-sweeping creations featured the hour-glass waist, revealing cleavage, frills and flounces, feather boas, and 1890-ish accessories that have meshed with Mae West's iconic image.
• • Dolly Tree also did the costumes for another Mae West project staged on Broadway in 1928: The Pleasure Man.
• • Come up and see Mae every day online: http://MaeWest.blogspot.com/
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Mae West
• • Photo: • • Mae West • • 1928 • •
NYC
Mae West.