Feathers – The Lucy Room

Lucille Ball Signed Oversized MGM Publicity Photo

Lucille Ball was awarded the title “Technicolor Tessie” by make-up artists and cameramen when she was with MGM in the early 1940’s. Her blue eyes, coral-rouged lips, fair skin and newly changed haircolor to a shade of “Tech Red” made her apperance in technicolor sensational and pop on screen.

This oversized publicity photo highlights this very glamourous time in Lucy’s career. Taken during the run of the films Du Barry Was A Lady and Best Foot Forward, images from this session were used throught the press world to showcase the studio’s new leading lady. Measuring roughly 15 inches by 19 inches it has been signed in blue ink by the redhead and beautifully framed in gold, one of Lucy’s favorite colors.

May 9, 2024May 21, 2024 by The Lucy Room Categories: Autograph, Feathers, Handwritten, I Love Lucy, Lucille Ball, MGM, Movie, Personal, PhotoTags: 1943, Autograph, Best Food Forward, Du Barry Was a Lady, Handwritten, I Love Lucy, Lucille Ball, MGM, Personal, Photo, Publicity, Publicity Photo, Signature, Signed Leave a comment

Vivian Vance Feather Headpiece from The Lucy Show

Vivian Vance returned to TV after I Love Lucy in 1962 for Lucille Ball’s second hit series, The Lucy Show. Airing on the last day of the year the episode entitled “Chris’ New Years Eve Party,” Lucy Carmichael and Vivian Bagley perform a silent movie sketch to help save Chris’ dull party.

In full costume, Lucy brilliantly portrays Charlie Chaplin while Viv is a flirtatious 1920’s flapper wearing this black feather headpiece. One end has an attached comb to secure the feather to her hair and a black velvet bow to hide it. This may have been added later for use in another production as the bow does not appear visible in the sketch.

August 1, 2023August 29, 2024 by The Lucy Room Categories: CBS, Costume, Desilu, Feathers, Lucille Ball, Shown Worn, Television, The Lucy Show, Vivian VanceTags: Charlie Chaplin, Costume, Desilu, Feather, Flapper, Head Piece, I Love Lucy, Lucille Ball, Personal, Screen Worn, Show Worn, The Lucy Show, Vivian Vance Leave a comment

Lucille Ball’s Aqua Ostrich Feather Vest

In 1964 Lucille Ball started a radio show called Let’s Talk to Lucy interviewing many people she found interesting both famous and not. One interview was with Academy Award winning designer, Edith Head. Towards the end of their two day session Lucy discusses her love of feathers and the color aqua. Edith dreams up an aqua feather cape and slim dress for Lucy and thus, this creation was born.

Featuring sections of handsewn aqua ostrich feathers, covering an elongated vest-style garment, Edith along with Edward Stevenson made this one of a kind piece for Lucille Ball. Lucy wears the vest for the opening credits of The Lucy Show (a rare behind the scenes clip of the filming for this is shown here). Then in March of 1967 Lucy wears it to the New York City premiere of Throughly Modern Millie starring Julie Andrews, Mary Tyler Moore and Carol Channing. In 1969 Lucille makes a very brief apperance at the end with it on Jack Benny’s New Look slapping Jack’s face saying “How dare you do a special without me!” In Lucy’s 1974 film of MAME it can be seen briefly in her stateroom amongst many of her other personal garments. Finally, as part of her western costume while attending a S.H.A.R.E. party in the mid-1970’s, Lucy wears the vest alongside her husband Gary Morton and mother, DeDe.

If the whereabouts of the sheath dress under the vest are known, please contact us!

July 18, 2023August 29, 2024 by The Lucy Room Categories: Costume, Edith Head, Edward Stevenson, Feathers, Jack Benny, Lucille Ball, MAME, Movie, Personal, Radio, Television, The Lucy ShowTags: Aqua, Carol Channing, Edith Head, Edward Stevenson, Feathers, Gary Morton, Julie Andrews, Lucille Ball, Lucille Ball Owned, Lucille Ball Worn, Mary Tyler Moore, Otrich, Personal Leave a comment