In 1949, the film “Sampson and Delilah” took the world by storm. Starring legendary beauty Hedy Lamarr and Hollywood hunk Victor Mature it was an absolute blockbuster!
Costume designer Edith Head used Egyptian Assiut cloth to create this slinky two-piece ensemble. I previously wrote about this costume in the post: An Assiut Gown: Heady Lamarr, Edith Head, and Delilah.
Since then, I’ve found this fantastic film clip of the movie scene from Samson & Delilah where you can see this ensemble in action.
Delilah’s/ Hedy Lamarr’s Assiut Dress: Selling Beauty
Paramount knew it had a hit on its hands when the movie debuted in late 1949. Hedy’s image as the exquisite Delilah sold beauty products from basic soap to glamourous face powder. Paramount Pictures capitalized on their beautiful star, leasing her image out through their marketing and sales departments for global advertising.
It is unlikely that Hedy would have consented willingly to have her image used with sketchy products like diet pills and weight loss supplements. You can spot Hedy wearing the iconic assiut gown on the right of the image bar right below the text, “Listen to Hedy Lamarr!”
When an image is too generic, some companies boldly state the actress’s name, film, and production company. Here Hollywood makeup artist Max Factor has a beauty product launch with the film introducing different shades of “Amber.”
Of course, while beautiful, Hedy is now better known for her biggest role – the inventor of the internet. You can read more about her contributions and innovations in technology widely around the web. Here’s an article to get you started.
I’m always delighted when I spot this gown in new places. Thanks for joining me in this delightful journey of this Cloth of Egypt, Assiut aka Al-Tally.
Happy Dance and Costuming,
Dawn Devine ~ Davina
June, 2024