Before she became costumer supervisor at MGM in the mid-to-late-1940s, Irene Lentz Gibbons (known simply as “Irene” but she was married to the brother of legendary MGM art director Cedric Gibbons) had her own salon at the Bullocks Wilshire department store. (Note the flattering indirect lighting.) Do stores even have private salons any more? That’s a lot of square footage!

Mary F says: “My grandmother moved from Texas to LA in the early 1950’s and worked for Irene. She told me many times about sewing clothes that were sold in stores my grandmother couldn’t afford, but not problem, grandma just made her own! Grandma worked in some other places in the garment district and lived on 3rd street. I have the address somewhere. I am enjoying looking at what was and what still is. Thank you so much.”