For me Loretta Young had a magical appeal. She was one of my all time favorite stars of the silver screen era. If you don't know Loretta Young then shame on you.

She was born Gretchen Young in Salt Lake City in 1913 moving to Hollywood in 1916 when she starting appearing in films at the age of 3. Her career continued as did her fame. In 1947 she won an Oscar for The Farmer's Daughter. Every holiday season you can see her in The Bishop's Wife with Cary Grant and David Niven.

From 1953 to 1961 she hosted the Loretta Young Show. This is where she came into my life. Her trademark appearance at the beginning of each show introduction was to appear in a new high fashion evening gown each week. Sadly these shows will never be seen because she made it a legal stipulation in her contract that they not be rerun. Always fashion conscious she didn't want to be seen in outdated clothing...if only she knew how her appearance on these shows would be so admired today by vintage clothing collectors.

She starred in a multitude of films prior to 1953, It Happens Every Thursday was her last film role and her television career began.

It was said that her personal quote was: "wearing the correct dress for any occasion is a matter of good manners".

Sadly the world lost this great star in 2000 at the age of 87.

P.S. Rumor has it that in 1935 she had a secret child with CLARK GABLE! I'm sure her wardrobe played a big role in this attraction.

Christine Moore
 Alley Cats Vintage http://www.rubylane.com/shops/alleycatvintage