Adrian Adolf Greenburg, widely recognized and referred to as “Adrian”, was an extremely successful and well-recognized costume designer in both the film and theatre industries in the 1900s. Arguably his most recognized work was for the film The Wizard of Oz. Adrian designed the iconic ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland, who played Dorothy. Nevertheless, these ruby-sequined slippers barely skim the surface of all of Adrian’s accomplishments and the influence he left in the worlds of theatre and film.
Early on in his career, Adrian was hired by small companies and independent film studios for costume designing. Eventually, he got his big break and was hired as the head designer for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, or M-G-M (one of the globe’s leading companies in entertainment). Adrian was the head designer for M-G-M for 13 years. While there, he worked on over 200 films! Through the course of his career, he was able to work with many of the most prominent female stars of the day. After his time with M-G-M, Adrian opened up his own fashion firm. Adrian’s designs greatly influenced the current fashion trends of his day.
In 1959, Adrian was hired to design the costumes for the Broadway musical Camelot. Unfortunately, while Adrian was working on his designs for the show in his studio, he suffered a fatal heart attack. His dedication to his most impressive work did not go uncredited. In 1961, Adrian was posthumously awarded a Tony Award for Best Costume Design in a Musical. Getting a Tony Award was a momentous accomplishment- something Adrian would have taken pride in. While he was alive, there was another accomplishment that also deserves recognition. Adrian was openly gay within the film community. His hard work and dedication given towards his work and being himself has left a notable legacy. Especially during a time period that was not as accepting, Adrian is a great example that perseverance and a good work ethic allows one to fulfill their dreams- regardless of race, ethnicity, or sexuality.