Lana Turner in The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946)

Born in Baker, Montana. Entered American film as an actress with a brief career in silent films (1921-1924). Worked for seven years, from 1942, as executive costume designer for MGM, succeeding Adrian. During that time Irene designed for over 50 films, as well as supervising the personal wardrobes of top stars. She became world-famous for her "soufflé creations," but is probably best remembered for Lana Turner's outfits in THE POSTMAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE (1946), notably Turner's entrance costume of turban, midriff blouse and "hot pants" (the first time the latter had been worn on screen). Irene was married to screenwriter Eliot Gibbons, brother of Cedric Gibbons, the supervising art director of MGM (whose influence helped land Irene there after she had been discovered by his wife, Dolores Del Rio). When her contract with MGM ended, she opened her own fashion house and was the first leading costume designer to have boutiques inside department stores throughout the US. She committed suicide in 1962 by jumping out of a hotel window. Visit the Internet Movie Database for a listing of her design credits.  Nominated for Costume Design (Black & White) 1948: B.F.'S DAUGHTER  Nominated for Costume Design (Color) 1960: MIDNIGHT LACE 2 nominations