In 1951's Technicolor musical, Gene Kelly plays 'Jerry Mulligan', a World War II veteran who chooses a newly-liberated Paris as the place to make his name as a painter. Jerry's life becomes more complicated when he meets a young Parisian shop girl named 'Lise Bouvier' (played by Leslie Caron) and realizes he is not her only suitor. The musical romantic comedy directed by Vincente Minnelli is inspired by composer and pianist George Gershwin's 1928 jazz-influenced symphonic poem of the same name.
Jerry Mulligan costume worn by Gene Kelly
and Lise Bouvier costume worn by Leslie Caron
in An American in Paris
These screen-worn costumes were photographed on display at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on October 13, 2025.
Three renowned designers - Orry-Kelly, Walter Plunkett and Irene Sharaff - won the Academy Award for Costume Design at the 1952 Oscars.
Irene Sharaff designed the looks and helped develop the narrative, choreography and set design for the film's 17-minute ballet finale. Jerry's monochrome costume (made of wool, rayon and cotton) stands out as he pursues Lise across a colorful Paris. The lovers eventually uniting in a highly charged dance by the Place de la Concorde fountain, where Lise wears this exquisite peacock ensemble (made of silk velvet, silk chiffon, peacock feathers and glass rhinestones).
I loved seeing these iconic costumes from the movie on display as I have fond memories of seeing the musical on Broadway at the Palace Theatre in 2015.
Musicals fans may also enjoy these other screen-used costumes on display at exhibitions over the years.
An American in Paris movie poster
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