ONE OF SCARLETT’S LESSER-KNOWN LOOKS

 ONE OF SCARLETT’S LESSER-KNOWN LOOKS…

Some of Scarlett O’Hara’s costumes became almost as famous as Gone With the Wind itself—the green barbecue dress, the curtain dress and, of course, that dramatic burgundy gown.

But I’ve always thought this blue-and-white ensemble deserves more attention.

Scarlett wears this look during the memorable lumber mill sequence with Ashley, when an emotional moment between the two is witnessed and soon becomes the talk of Atlanta.

And we all know where that leads… 

Rhett later insists Scarlett attend Ashley’s birthday party and face the gossip rather than hide from it—and dresses her in that unforgettable burgundy gown.

Scarlett’s extraordinary wardrobe was designed by Walter Plunkett. Her hats involved specialist millinery work through John Frederics/John-Frederics, and surviving production records reveal a fascinating story behind their creation. Research by the Harry Ransom Center has also brought greater recognition to milliner Mildred Blount, who worked for John-Frederics and likely contributed to some of the film’s millinery.

I haven’t been able to locate an original production record giving this particular blue-and-white outfit or hat an official name or confirming its exact fabrics, so I’m not going to invent details we can’t document.

But just look at it—the blue jacket, crisp white dress, gloves, veil and coordinating parasol. 

Do you think this is one of Scarlett’s most underrated costumes?

#GoneWithTheWind