Giant: A study of costume design in transition

The 1956 movie Giant (George Stevens) provides an opportunity to examine costume design in the mid-twentieth century when both the film industry and the fan magazines that supported it were experiencing significant changes. Giant’s lead actress, Elizabeth Taylor, was increasingly a fixture in fan magazines, and her growing popularity and role in this movie provided a guise for writing about her extravagant lifestyle. This case study focuses on the contributions of the film’s two costume designers, Marjorie Best and Moss Mabry, fashion as a tool of promotion and the effect of Taylor’s lifestyle on a film’s publicity. It draws on the papers of director George Stevens, Best and Mabry as well as fan publications, and it follows the film from its inception and production to exhibition and promotion.