One of Ava Gardner's breakthrough roles was as the goddess of love in One Touch of Venus (1948). Orry-Kelly designed this white off-the-shoulder number, intended to resemble marble.
Image via United Artists Photofest
Kelly had an exceptional creative partnership with Bette Davis, creating dramatically striking outfits for her in over 30 films.
Image via Barbara Warner Howard
Dolores del Rio, seen here in In Caliente (1935), remains one of the most successful Mexican-born actors in Hollywood. In several roles she was able to escape stereotyping as an "exotic" temptress, radiating cool sophistication in white and silver gowns by Orry-Kelly. Image from Creative Commons.
Kelly's outfits helped bring director Busby Berkeley's fantastical visions to life in Gold Diggers of 1937 (1936).
Image via Corbis
The Dolly Sisters (1945) was one of Betty Grable's most successful films, thanks to its parade of lavish Orry-Kelly ensembles.
Image via Scotty Bowers
Actress Kay Francis was one of Orry-Kelly's favorite clotheshorses; her dark features and long silhouette were considered the epitome of 1930s elegance. The spectacular wardrobes Kelly designed for Francis became one of her major selling points as a star.
Image via Scotty Bowers
Witty and tart-tongued, Kelly (pictured here with star Bebe Daniels) developed close friendships with many of the actors he worked with.
Image via Margaret Herrick Library
For his glittering showgirl costumes in Les Girls (1957), Orry-Kelly won the second of his three Academy Awards. The hand-sequined leotard worn by Mitzi Gaynor (pictured, first from left) will be displayed at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image.
Image via ACMI
In Gypsy (1962), petite actress Natalie Wood was made to look tall and shapely using vertical beading and paddin
