Anyone heard of Bonnie Bee (costume designer)?

Laura

Laura

Alumni
Earlier this year I picked up a bunch of costume design sketches. Most of them are initialed "B.B", but a few actually have the artist's name - Bonnie Bee. I haven't been able to find any reference to an artist or costumer by that name, but I thought maybe someone else had.

I'll scan some of them in later so you can see them. :)

Laura
 
I don't think it's Bernie Bee...It's probably no relation. Here's what the signature looks like.

<img src="http://www.VintageFashionLibrary.com/images/ebay/costume_sig.jpg">

And here are some of the sketches.

<img src="http://www.VintageFashionLibrary.com/images/ebay/costume_1.jpg">

<img src="http://www.VintageFashionLibrary.com/images/ebay/costume_2.jpg">

<img src="http://www.VintageFashionLibrary.com/images/ebay/costume_3.jpg">

And I can't decide if these are watercolor or marker?? I keep going back and forth. Any opinions or suggestions to tell the difference?

<img src="http://www.VintageFashionLibrary.com/images/ebay/costume_close.jpg">

The dealer I bought these from had them labeled as 1960s costume sketches. I don't know what made her think they were from the '60s - I can't tell a date, except that they're definitely vintage. They look like they were dance costumes, but I can't figure out what the production(s) might have been. Some of them are called "Birds of the Jungle," "Pirate Chief," and "Leopard Queen," and some of them also have the note "Shores of Africa."

Any ideas at all? I'm trying to find out as much as I can before I list them.

Laura
 
I am trying to think what production that it could be from. There are plenty of shows with pirates but bird costumes, etc...just don't help me name the play. and that would also help date because we would know that it couldn't be earlier than when the show was first produced (though it could be much later than that as well)
 
The sketches are watercolor.
(marker technology is very recent, in the cosmic scheme of things--usually post mid-80's))
By the style of 'croqui', or figure, they look before 1950, or at least before 1955. Look at the hairtyle, their bangs are very full and rounded like they wore during the 40's.
The 'cowboy' costume with bolero jacket and circle skirt looks alot like real fashion from the late 1930's or early 40's. Check the Louella Ballerino web talk and you will see photos of her designs that look just like this bra and skirt style.
The puzzle is the strapless 'pirate', we don't really see much strapless til the New Look when they 're-discover' boning.
And they do seem to be dance costumes, or maybe for a costume rental house?
So, that's my 2 cents worth! Hope it helps- Jennifer O.
 
I swear, I just ran across a dress last week by "Bonnie Bee" and considered picking it up, but there was something wrong with it! I remember focusing on it because I'd seen this thread several days before & recognized the name. I wonder if this is the same Bonnie Bee.... I had a dress once by a designer who also was a Hollywood clothier; I wonder if it wasn't unusual for even "unknown" or smaller-time designers to have their own commercial lines?
 
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