Growing up as a child one of my favorite movies to watch on a rainy Sunday was High Society.
I was always fascinated by American 1950’s, The interest grew largely from a friend of my mother's who donated her collection of 1950’s LIFE Magazines to me, thinking I would enjoy them. I’d love to idolize the Coke Ad’s in particular emulating the slicked back hair, stovepipe jeans and converse sneakers in my outfits to school, While most kids (and adults) were watching sports on Sunday, I used to watch hours of old movies, loving Jerry Lewis and Fred Astaire movie in particular. Of course High Society captured my attention with it’s design, color and fun musical numbers, performed by all the stars but the standout is Louis Armstrong who belts out some great tunes.
The production value is amazing in High Society, Filmed in Technicolor, the attention to color is just spot on, Famed Art Director and Production Designer, Cedric Gibbons designed the look and costumes were designed by Helen Rose. High Society was released in 1956 American, It’s regarded as a musical comedy film directed by Charles Walters and stars Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, and Frank Sinatra. Based on the play The Philadelphia Story by Philip Barry, the film is about a successful popular jazz musician who tries to win back the affections of his ex-wife, who is preparing to marry another man. The movie was shot mostly in and around Clarendon Court in Newport, Rhode Island.
I would say this film has hugely influenced my color palette in particular, I have always loved a dusty pastel and this film is full of them, While I feel I am going through a more monochromatic phase currently, the appeal of the pastel still hits me, It's often this combination with contrast hit of bright color or with a metallic crinkly gold that I like best.
This film featured Kelly's final role before she became Princess of Monaco; it was released three months after her marriage to Prince Rainier III. She is simply beautiful in this movie and remains one of my favorite actress's to this day.