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Orry- Kelly
Photo Credit: Margaret Herrick Library


Orry-Kelly was born Orry George Kelly at Kiama in 1897. His love of theatre and nightlife flourished when he moved to Sydney at 17. In 1922 the aspiring actor and artist moved to New York, where his work painting murals for nightclubs led to designing stage sets and costumes. He followed his dreams to Hollywood and became head of the costume department at Warner Bros.

Orry-Kelly went on to create some of the most iconic looks in movie history, from Casablanca and The Maltese Falcon to Oklahoma! and Auntie Mame, in a career spanning 30 years and 295 films. He won Oscars for An American in Paris, Les Girls and Some Like It Hot.

Books by Orry- Kelly

Women I've Undressed

Found in a pillowcase, the fabulous long-lost memoirs of a legendary Hollywood designer – and a genuine Australian original.

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