Film Noir Style

Film Noir Style: The Killer 1940s presents the fashions of the femmes fatales who were so good at being bad, and the suits and trench coats of definitive noir actors such as Humphrey Bogart and Alan Ladd. Hollywood film and fashion expert Kimberly Truhler explores twenty definitive film noir titles from 1941 to 1950 and traces the evolution of popular fashion in the decade of the ’40s, the impact of World War II on home-front fashion, and the influence of the film noir genre on popular fashion then and now. Meet the fabulous women of noir, including Lana Turner, Veronica Lake, Lauren Bacall, Barbara Stanwyck, Ava Gardner, Gene Tierney, and many others, and the costume designers that created and recreated these famous stars as killers—and worse—through the clothes they wore.

"Film historian Kimberly Truhler approaches the noir production years in four larger chapters, as every few years a fresh style or type of women was featured. These alterations and new trends open up each chapter with valuable information, and many black-and-white pictures confirm it. Film Noir Style is a very pleasing 8.5 x 11 inches addition to any film noir library, and a visual feast for those interested in the high art of 1940s costume design." —Dr. A Ebert, Pop Culture Shelf

"In this sumptuously illustrated debut, fashion historian Truhler explores how film noir was shaped and enhanced by the role of the costume designer. Truhler provides the reader with a great understanding of how costume choices can intersect with subject matter. Upon finishing this delightful history, film fans and fashion buffs will want to go on a classic movie binge." —Publisher#&39;s Weekly

"With Film Noir Style, Kimberly Truhler pulls off the tricky challenge of writing to a broad audience. Her well-written book will appeal to both film school graduates and more casual fans who simply love the look of noir, like Rita Hayworth#&39;s in Gilda. Truhler#&39;s exploration of Hollywood#&39;s darkest and sexiest movies of the 1940s has style of its own." —Ben Mankiewicz, Primetime host of Turner Classic Movies

"Style is the essential appeal of film noir, and Kimberly Truhler#&39;s book is an essential addition to the history of the noir movement. I learned a lot." —Eddie Muller, Nost of Turner Classic Movies#&39; Noir Alley and found of the Film Noir Foundation

"Film Noir Style: The Killer 1940s, is a luscious deep dive into, not just a decade, but the fashion iconography of just nineteen memorable films from that decade shadowed by World War II. ...This book [is] useful for the casual and the scholarly reader, filled with wonderful photos, fascinating text and a detailed list of references, chapter by chapter, as well as an index. If you’re interested in film noir, 1940s fashion or the careers of these memorable actors, Film Noir Style: The Killer ’40s does not disappoint." —Laura Boyes, Syncopated Times

"Truhler#&39;s new book, Film Noir Style: The Killer 1940s gives viewers the backstories behind the costumes of the era. Truhler also delves into the era#&39;s shadowy lighting design, as well as how German expressionism and 1930s pre-code films influenced the noir genre. ilm Noir Style takes a deep dive into the costumes of 20 films, offering details on everything from director Michael Curtiz#&39;s determination to "deglamorize" Joan Crawford, while a look at 1944#&39;s Double Indemnity features Edith Head#&39;s ingenuity in solving what was determined to be Barbara Stanwyck#&39;s "figure problems."" —Laurie Brookins, The Hollywookd Reporter

Kimberly Truhler is a film historian with a specialization in motion picture costume designers and their influence on fashion. She has introduced films at the TCM Classic Film Festival and appeared on air with former host Robert Osborne and with Ben Mankiewicz. Kimberly appeared as an expert in all four parts of the 2019 CNN docuseries American Style. She also has consulted on film and fashion for the BBC, Christie#&39;s, the National Film Registry, and Elle magazine.