A Jean Louis Costume Sketch for Lana Turner from Imitation of Life

A Jean Louis Costume Sketch for Lana Turner from Imitation of Life
Universal Pictures, 1959. Watercolor, pencil, and gouache on paper, costume design for Lana Turner as Lora Meredith in Imitation of Life, depicting a pink-and-silver floor-length gown with bow tie at waist, signed 'Jean Louis' in ink (lower right), mounted and framed. 19 1/2 x 14 in. (sight)

Directed by Douglas Sirk, this soap opera-style tearjerker features Turner and her housekeeper, Juanita Moore, as they experience racial bias involving their daughters. The film was a remake of the 1934 version starring Claudette Colbert and Louise Beavers. Designer Jean Louis outfits Turner in luxurious costumes befitting a Ross Hunter production.