Nudies for the Ladies

A curious thing about Nudie's business is that 90 % of his flashy rhinestone Nudie Suits were made for men. I guess you could chalk this up to the "peacock" effect, and I will present Nudie's literal peacock suits in another blog.

Nudie began his career as a shopkeeper and designer with "Nudies for the Ladies" off Times Square in the 1930's. He made outfits for the girls in the chorus, vaudeville and burlesque queens . . . i.e. the strippers of the day.

His brother sold ligerie and Nudie fell in love with rhinestones, so the stage was set for Nudie's later work in Hollywood -- when he married rhinestones with his love of the American West, it's myths, legends, and clothing.

But, in the beginning it was "Nudies for the Ladies". Ladies always loved Nudie and his creations, but the men seemed to steal the show for most of his life.

Still, some lovely talented creatures lit up the stage and screen in Nudie Suits and dresses. Here is Goldie Hill (who later married Carl Smith, years after he divorced June Carter) in a fetching Nudie number. This tailored suit with heart piping was one of Nudie's very popular designs in the early 1950's, and really shows of Nudie's skill in fitting and accentuating the human form. Goldie was a great customer and also had the rhinestoned dress made in many colors. Enjoy.