Prime Viewing

Since our house is a cord cutting home, we spring for Amazon Prime to avoid going all "The Shining" on each other. Below is a list of some choice movies I find particularly inspiring. Also, I have added the reasons why you should cancel all your plans, pop some Orville Redenbacher and stay in all night.

"On A Clear Day You Can See Forever"


Reasons to watch: (other than the above photo)

1. Barbra Streisand
2. Amazing soundtrack
3. Cecil Beaton period gowns
4. The extensive wig and hat budget

This movie will change your life and make you want to buy a wiglet. In fact, upon the first viewing I paused it just to run out and buy one so I could finish the film properly coiffed. Did I mention the epic turban? Oh yeah, that turban is EVERYTHING.

"What A Way To Go"


Reasons to watch:

1. Shirley Maclaine's legs
2. The Edith Head designed half million dollar wardrobe
3. A young Paul Newman and his beard

We watched this movie to celebrate my birthday, low key style. It's a slow one but the costumes make it worthwhile.  I wish they made a full length version of "A Touch of Mink."  I uttered WERK a few times under my breath during that scene.

"First A Girl"


Reasons to watch:

1. Original version of "Victor/Victoria"
2. The stage numbers are insanely lavish
3. The insane amount of egret feathers explains how they ended up on the endangered species list

The only drawback to this flick is that it is in black and white... man those sequins were probably amazing in person.

"The Girl Rush"


Reasons to watch:

1. Rosalind Russell's fast talking wit
2. Roz's fur stole in the big stage number
3. Fernando Lamas... le sigh

Watched this one randomly night. It's a fun movie, but when Fernando sweeps on screen everything else melts away. In all seriousness I turned to Ryan and said, "I'm not even sure what anyone is saying when he's on screen.  He's so DAMN pretty!"

Did I miss any of your favorites?  Do you have any hidden gems that you've found that I should be aware of?  I'm always up for a good 'old timey' film.

-Philip Estrada

Celebrating the Life of Ray Aghayan

Ray Aghayan

1928-2011

Today Hollywood lost a great talent and Mr. Mackie lost his long time partner.  Bob Mackie has worked with Ray Aghayan since almost the beginning of his career when he was assisting him on The Judy Garland Show.  Aghayan was instrumental in getting the Academy of TV Art and Sciences to recognize the work of the costume designers and won the first Emmy along side Bob Mackie for their work in Alice Through the Looking Glass in 1967.  They worked together on many other memorable and colorful projects including movies, TV Specials, and the Vegas Show "Hallelujah Hollywood".  

Bob Mackie and Aghayan opened a Costume Studio in North Hollywood where they both worked out of.  Mr. Mackie lost a dear friend today and my heart goes out to him and all of Mr. Aghayan's family and friends.  His talent will be missed.





- Philip Estrada

A Star Was Born

Today is the 69th Birthday of Miss Barbra Streisand.  In her honor enjoy these costume design sketches from her appearance on "The Judy Garland Show" from 1963.  The looks were designed by Ray Aghayan and were illustrated by his assistant.  You may have heard of him.  His name is Bob Mackie.

Happy Birthday Barbra!  You're our favorite Funny Girl.

- Philip Estrada