Suddenly Last Summer: Style with Morningstar84 and Elizabeth Taylor

Earlier this year, my friend Jasmine reviewed an Elizabeth Taylor-inspired sundress presented by retro fashion company 20th Century Foxy. Based in part on the gorgeous green circle dress worn by Taylor as Catherine Holly in the 1959 film classic Suddenly Last Summer, the piece inspired me to get my own version of the costume. Mine is by Esther of Morningstar84, the same talented seamstress who made my Mad Men-inspired Joan dress in blue linen.

Esther’s version is a faithful reproduction of the movie dress, right down to the skirt seaming. As a custom piece, the quality and fit are hard to match. The slightly-sweetheart bodice is fully structured and the belt is removable. I chose a kelly green linen, but a forest green twill – which is probably closer to the original – is also available.

I wore the dress for my birthday dinner at Trader Vic’s in June, accessorizing it with a lavender scarf similar to the one Elizabeth Taylor wears with the dress in the film. Instead of the metal hoop earrings and bracelets she wears, I chose Bakelite versions.

In addition to the Liz Taylor dress, Esther also made me a version of Marilyn Monroe’s eyelet wiggle dress. It’s the one she wore to the famous handprint ceremony honoring her and Jane Russell at Graumann’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. I’ll review that for you in the coming weeks!