Mae West "Ruby Carter" Dress

"Makeup artist Monty Westmore made a foundation garment for Miss West that was made of plaster. Once he finished making the body cast, Mae insisted that he chisel the nipples so she would have a pert, pointed appearance under her costumes. The Westmores did everyone’s makeup – right down to the most upright detail. Mae didn’t sag with that kind of star treatment."



From the catalog:

Mae West "Ruby Carter" black and ivory period dress designed by Travis Banton for Belle of the Nineties. Black satin full length V-neck period dress with ivory satin puff sleeves, decorated with ivory circular lace along front and sleeve caps. Designed by Travis Banton. Worn by Mae West as "Ruby Carter" when she goes to the big fight with Ace Lamont (John Miljan) in Belle of the Nineties. This dress was worn a year later (with feathers added to the collar) by Sarah Edwards as "Mrs. Myron Carey" when she comes to visit "Ruggles" (Charles Laughton) in Ruggles of Red Gap.