AllMovie

The unmistakable and colorful creations of internationally acclaimed costume designer Irene Sharaff graced many of Broadway's and Hollywood's biggest musical productions for nearly three decades. She got her start on the New York stage during the '30s and costumed such productions as On Your Toes (1936), The King and I (1951), West Side Story (1957), and Funny Girl (1964) -- Sharaff later designed the costumes for the film versions. She began working in Hollywood for MGM in 1942 and was known for her equal skill in re-creating period costumes and for her fantasy designs. Her first film work can be seen in the lab smocks for Madame Curie (1943). But her best work can be seen in the great movie musicals, including Brigadoon (1954), Porgy and Bess (1959), and Hello Dolly! (1969). Over the course of her long career, Sharaf won five Academy Awards and was nominated 11 times.