Obit of the Day

Obit of the Day: Designing Woman

Theadora Van Runkle received a call from her mentor, Oscar-winning costume designer Dorothy Jeakins, in 1968 asking if Van Rnkle wanted to design the costumes for a “little western.” Van Runkle, who had never designed for a film before, agreed. She won an Oscar for her work. The “little western”? Bonnie and Clyde, which not only made Faye Dunaway a sex symbol but created a style that was emulated by woman across the country.

Mrs. Van Runkle, who died at the age of 83, would design costumes for an additional twenty-seven films. She was nominated for Academy Awards for The Godfather, Part II (1974), above, and Peggy Sue Got Married (1986). Her work was wide ranging from musicals (Mame, 1974), action (Bullitt, 1968) and comedy (The Jerk, 1979). She did some television work, as well, earning an Emmy for her designs on the short-lived series, Wizards and Warriors. (You can view the opening titles, and some costumes, here.)

Having taught herself the art of costume design, Mrs. Van Runkle was met with disapproval originally by Ms. Dunaway who thought the now-iconic outfits she was forced to wear did not make her look attractive. Luckily for Ms. Dunaway, Mrs. Van Runkle did not follow the advice of legendary designer Edith Head, eight-time Academy Award winner, who recommended that she “…do everything in chiffon. You’ll have no problems.”

(Sketch of Fredo Corleone costume from Godfather II courtesy of icollector.com, which values it as $2,500. If you are interested, click here.)